The UK’s relationship with the European Union has moved back to the centre of political debate amid a possible Labour leadership challenge and an upcoming by-election in the Makerfield constituency.
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Wes Streeting, former Health Secretary, used his first public appearance since leaving the cabinet to tell a London audience that Brexit was a “catastrophic mistake”. Speaking at a Progress Conference linked to the Labour Party’s “Blairite” wing, he also signalled he would contest any formal challenge to replace Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
He argued the party had been overly cautious in opposition and too hesitant to confront issues he described as central to the country’s future. He added that Brexit had left the UK “less wealthy, less powerful and less in control” and said Britain should pursue a closer relationship with the EU, potentially including eventual re-entry, provided a future election gave a clear mandate.
His remarks prompted swift criticism from Conservative Party figures. Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Labour of reopening Brexit divisions, arguing the party was distracted from issues such as living costs, public services and defence.
Starmer’s EU stance under scrutiny
Under Labour leader Keir Starmer, the party has taken a cautious position on Brexit, committing to closer cooperation with the EU while ruling out rejoining the single market or customs union.
Streeting’s intervention challenged that approach, calling for a more ambitious rethink of UK-EU relations. He said political leaders had been too influenced by concern over Conservative criticism, and argued that longer-term economic opportunities lay in closer alignment with Europe.
He stressed that any move towards rejoining the EU would require a fresh democratic mandate, such as a general election, rather than being pursued immediately.
Burnham and Makerfield focus
The debate has also drawn attention to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is expected to seek selection as Labour’s candidate in the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, which is anticipated around 18 June.
While campaigning in the constituency, Burnham said there was a “long-term case” for rejoining the EU but insisted he was not advocating such a move during the campaign. He has previously said any return would require a renewed public mandate.
The contest is being closely watched by other parties. Reform UK has sought to highlight Brexit sentiment in the area, pointing to the 2016 referendum result in which about 65% of voters in the constituency supported leaving the EU. The party also cited past local electoral performance suggesting a strong vote share in the area.
Wider party positions sharpen divide
Opposition parties have also used the renewed debate to underline their positions. The Liberal Democrats said recent election results reinforced their argument that closer EU ties, including a customs union, were needed to support economic growth.
The Green Party has gone further, with MP Ellie Chowns saying full EU membership remained the best option and that rejoining should be pursued when politically feasible.
Taken together, the exchanges highlight how Brexit continues to shape divisions within and between parties, with Labour’s internal positioning, leadership speculation and upcoming electoral contests all bringing the issue back into focus.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026
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