[Wes Streeting’s](en.wikipedia.org) Brexit Reversal and Labour Leadership Bid Former Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting has reignited Brexit divisions within the party by calling for the UK to rejoin the EU, describing Brexit as a "catastrophic mistake." Streeting, who resigned from his cabinet position last week in protest against Keir Starmer’s leadership, has confirmed his bid to succeed Starmer as Labour leader, positioning EU re-entry as a central policy. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from within Labour, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy dismissing the proposal as "odd" and warning it risks "reopening the Brexit war" . Allies of Streeting, however, have defended his stance, framing it as a pragmatic vision for Britain’s future .
[Andy Burnham’s](en.wikipedia.org) Role in the EU Rejoining Debate Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, another potential leadership contender, has aligned with Streeting on the EU issue, jointly advocating for Britain’s re-entry into the bloc. Burnham, who plans to return to Parliament by contesting the Makerfield by-election, has positioned himself as a unifying figure in the leadership race, though his stance on Brexit has drawn criticism from Labour colleagues. A minister close to Burnham accused Streeting of "reopening the Brexit war" with his calls for rejoining, deepening internal party divisions .
Labour’s Internal Strife Over Brexit and Leadership The debate over EU re-entry has exposed fractures within Labour, with senior figures clashing over the party’s direction. Keir Starmer, facing a leadership crisis after nearly 90 MPs called for his resignation, has been accused of being a "lame duck" prime minister. His leadership has been further undermined by ministerial resignations and poor local election results, where Reform UK made significant gains. The Brexit row has become a proxy battle in the leadership contest, with Streeting and Burnham’s camps using the issue to differentiate their visions for Labour’s future .
[Jeremy Corbyn’s](en.wikipedia.org) Absence from the Debate While the articles highlight Labour’s internal divisions over Brexit and leadership, there is no mention of Jeremy Corbyn’s involvement or stance on rejoining the EU, despite the topic’s relevance to his past political positions. The focus remains on Starmer’s struggles and the emerging leadership contest between Streeting and Burnham.
> Background: **Labour leadership crisis deepens as Starmer resists calls to quit amid Brexit divisions.** — *3 hours ago*
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