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Brexit re-emerges as political flashpoint
The UK's departure from the European Union has returned to the forefront of political debate, shaping both a potential Labour leadership contest and an upcoming by-election in Makerfield.
Streeting launches leadership bid with sharp Brexit critique
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting declared Brexit a "catastrophic mistake" during his first public appearance since resigning from the Labour frontbench. Addressing the Progress Conference in London on Saturday, he announced plans to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party's leadership, arguing Labour had been "overcautious" in opposition.
"Leaving the EU has left us less wealthy, less powerful, and less in control than at any point since before the Industrial Revolution," Streeting said. He called for a "new special relationship" with the bloc, adding that Britain's future "lies with Europe-and one day back in the European Union," contingent on a fresh electoral mandate.
Conservatives and Reform UK seize on remarks
Within hours, Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Labour of "relitigating Brexit" while the country faced pressing issues like the cost-of-living crisis and public services. "This is yet another distraction," he said.
Reform UK, targeting the Makerfield by-election, highlighted that 65% of local voters backed Brexit in 2016. The party cited Andy Burnham's past comments-including a 2023 pledge to see the UK rejoin the EU in his lifetime-as evidence of Labour's "out-of-touch" stance. Reform UK vowed to remind voters of Burnham's remarks during the campaign.
Burnham's balancing act in Makerfield
The Greater Manchester mayor, canvassing in Makerfield ahead of the likely 18 June by-election, acknowledged the "long-term case" for rejoining the EU but stressed he was "not advocating that in this by-election." Burnham, who could use a by-election victory to launch a leadership bid, framed the contest around economic renewal, calling for "re-industrialisation" and a post-war-scale council house-building programme.
"Britain has been on the wrong path for 40 years," he told the BBC, citing deindustrialisation and privatisation as root causes of regional decline.
Parties stake out positions
The Liberal Democrats seized on recent election results to argue that the UK's economic stagnation stems from its failure to rejoin the EU's customs union. "Without a customs union, we won't see the growth we desperately need," the party said, warning that populism would thrive without change.
The Green Party, meanwhile, reaffirmed its support for full EU membership "as soon as the political will is present," with MP Ellie Chowns stating it remained the "best option" for the UK.
Labour's cautious line under Starmer
Under Starmer's leadership, Labour has avoided a full-throated push to reverse Brexit, instead advocating for closer EU ties while ruling out rejoining the single market or customs union. Streeting's challenge suggests internal divisions persist, with some Labour figures pushing for a bolder stance on Europe.
As the Makerfield by-election approaches, the debate over Brexit's legacy-and the UK's future relationship with Europe-looks set to dominate the political landscape once again.
