Brexit has returned to the centre of British politics after former Health Secretary Wes Streeting strongly criticised the UK’s exit from the European Union and signalled plans to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership.
Speaking at the Progress Conference, organised by Labour’s Blairite faction, Streeting confirmed he would enter any future leadership race to replace Starmer. The event marked his first major public appearance since leaving the cabinet and calling on Starmer to announce a timeline for stepping down.
"We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I will be standing," Streeting told a conference of the Progress group of Labour supporters, BBC News reported.
Streeting Calls Brexit a ‘Catastrophic Mistake’
During his speech, Streeting sharply attacked Britain’s 2016 decision to leave the European Union. He described Brexit as “a catastrophic mistake” and argued that it had weakened the country economically and politically.
"It has left us less wealthy, less powerful, and less in control than at any point since before the Industrial Revolution," Streeting said. He also pushed for closer ties between Britain and the EU in the future.
"The biggest economic opportunity we have is on our doorstep. We need a new special relationship with the EU, because Britain's future lies with Europe – and one day back in the European Union," he added.
However, Streeting stressed that any move toward rejoining the EU would require public approval through a fresh political mandate, likely at a future general election.
Pressure Grows on Starmer
The remarks came during a turbulent period inside the ruling Labour Party. Speculation about Starmer’s leadership intensified after Streeting resigned from the government ahead of a possible leadership campaign.
At the same time, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced plans to return to Parliament, increasing rumours about a wider leadership battle.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also re-entered the political spotlight after resolving a tax issue that had forced her to resign from the cabinet last year. Her return has added another possible contender to the growing list of Labour figures linked to the leadership race.
Labour Faces Internal Uncertainty
The Labour government now faces growing uncertainty after several days of internal political manoeuvring failed to remove Starmer but triggered open discussions about his future.
Starmer has insisted he will remain in office despite facing heavy criticism within his party. Over the past week, one cabinet minister resigned, dozens of Labour lawmakers publicly urged him to quit, and many of his recent policy proposals failed to gain support.
Political observers believe the pressure on Starmer may continue to grow in the coming months, with some experts suggesting his departure could become unavoidable if divisions inside the party deepen further.