Brexit Battle Reignites as Labour Leadership War Heats Up

The UK's relationship with the EU is set to become a pivotal issue in both the potential Labour Party leadership contest and the upcoming by-election in the Makerfield constituency.

In his first public appearance since resigning from the Cabinet, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting told an audience in London on Saturday that "leaving the European Union was a catastrophic mistake."

Speaking at the 'Progress Conference'—organized by the "Blairite" faction of the Labour Party—he announced that he would formally stand for election to succeed Sir Keir Starmer.

Within an hour, Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake seized upon Streeting's remarks, stating that "Britain is not being properly governed while the Labour Party is re-litigating Brexit."

Hollinrake described these comments as "yet another distraction"... "at a time when families and businesses want the government to focus on the cost of living, the economy, public services, and Britain's defense."

Under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party has trodden carefully on the issue of Brexit, adhering to "red lines" stipulating that—while seeking to build a close relationship with the EU—the UK will neither rejoin the EU's Single Market nor enter into a customs union.

In his speech, Streeting argued that the Labour Party has suffered setbacks due to exercising "excessive caution" while formulating policies in opposition. He stated that the party was "too afraid of what the Tories (Conservatives) would say," but must now "tackle the big issues that define our times."

Foremost on his list was the issue of Brexit. Streetford stated, "It has left us less prosperous, less powerful, and with less control than at any time prior to the Industrial Revolution."

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He further added, "Our greatest economic opportunity lies right on our doorstep. We need a new special relationship with the EU, because Britain's future is intertwined with Europe—and, one day, with rejoining the European Union."

He also clarified that this could only happen if a new mandate were secured—for instance, through a general election.

These remarks by Streetford have also brought Andy Burnham's stance on the issue to the center of the debate.

On Saturday, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was campaigning for votes in the Makerfield constituency. He hopes to be the Labour Party's candidate in the upcoming by-election; this election is likely to take place on June 18. If he wins, he would be in a position to mount a challenge for the Labour Party leadership.

ITV News asked him whether he was in favor of rejoining the EU, to which he replied, "From a long-term perspective, a case could be made for it." However, he also made it clear that "he is not advocating for this in the current by-election."

In the past, Burnham has echoed Street's sentiments, stating that he respects the will expressed by the British public regarding Brexit, and that any move to rejoin the EU could only be undertaken if a fresh public mandate were secured.

The Reform UK party hopes to capitalize on this issue to mobilize voters in Makerfield in its favor.

The party noted that during the 2016 referendum, 65% of the people in the region voted in favor of Brexit. No precise figures are available regarding this party's performance in Makerfield during the local elections, as ward boundaries do not align perfectly with the boundaries of the parliamentary constituency.

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However, broadly speaking, Reform UK secured 50% of the vote, while the Labour Party received 27%, the Greens 10%, the Conservatives 7%, and the Lib Dems 4%.

The party cited statements made by Burnham at last year's Labour Party annual conference, in which he declared: "I hope that, in my lifetime, I will be able to see this country rejoin the European Union."

A Reform UK spokesperson remarked that Burnham "might not wish to remind voters of those statements, but we will certainly do that job for him."

They added, "The problems in this borough began with de-industrialisation, the deregulation of bus services, and the privatisation of basic necessities."

They further stated, "We need a new path; we must reform politics, get the economy back on track, and bring essential services back under public control."

They indicated a desire to see "re-industrialisation" in North West England, alongside the launch of a program to build council houses "on a scale similar to that of the post-war era."

However, the fact that the issue of UK-EU relations has already been vociferously raised—both on the streets and by the Conservative and Reform UK parties—serves as a clear indication that this remains a major dividing line among various political parties and voters.


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