The race to lead the Labour Party is reigniting discussions on Brexit, with frontrunner Wes Streeting declaring he would 'one day' like the UK to rejoin the European Union. Speaking at a campaign event, Streeting positioned himself as a 'reverse Andy Burnham'—a reference to the Manchester mayor who has shifted left on the issue.
Streeting's comments drew immediate criticism from rival Lisa Nandy, who called the suggestion 'odd' and warned it could alienate voters in Leave-supporting areas. The debate highlights a deep divide within the party as it prepares for a leadership contest expected to dominate British politics for months.
Present PM Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from both wings of the party, with some MPs branding him a 'PM in purgatory'. Meanwhile, voters in the Makerfield constituency—a former Labour stronghold—expressed mixed views on reopening the Brexit question, reflecting broader national uncertainty.
Other parties are watching closely, with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats already positioning themselves on the issue. The leadership race promises to define Labour's future direction on Europe and beyond.