Brexit resurfaces as Labour leadership contenders stake competing claims

Brexit has come back to the centre of Labour Party politics as prominent party officials jostle for position in a possible party leadership race, rekindling arguments over the UK’s relationship with the European Union. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting declared at the Progress Conference in London on Saturday that leaving the EU was “a catastrophic mistake”, whilst concurrently disclosing his intention to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leader position. The remarks have placed the divisive matter back into the public eye at a point at which the party has largely sought to avoid revisiting the contentious debate, with other potential leaders now forced to clarify their own positions on whether Britain should one day rejoin the bloc.

Streeting’s bold position on the EU revives party divisions

Wes Streeting’s declaration that Brexit was a “catastrophic mistake” represents a substantial move from the careful approach pursued by Sir Keir Starmer’s administration. Addressing the Progress Conference, the former Health Secretary maintained that Labour had been hampered by “overcautiousness” in opposition, being “too afraid of what the Tories might say” about divisive policy proposals. He asserted that the party must now confront “the big issues that define our age”, with Brexit leading his list of 3 crucial national decisions demanding new consideration and decision-making.

Streeting’s action has immediately highlighted divisions within Labour’s upper echelons. His assertion that Britain’s prospects “rests” with Europe – and one day back in the European Union” fundamentally questions the party’s current strategy of upholding firm “red lines” against returning to the single market or trade union. However, he was mindful to point out that any restoration to European Union membership would require a fresh democratic mandate. The comments have placed various possible leadership hopefuls, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, in the awkward position of being forced to openly explain their personal stances on relations with Europe.

• Streeting asserts Brexit has left Britain diminished in wealth and influence since the Industrial Revolution
• Labour leadership has historically avoided revisiting the contentious EU membership question
• Streeting emphasises any EU rejoin would require a fresh electoral mandate beforehand
• Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Labour of diverting attention away from cost of living

The Makerfield by-election becomes a battleground over Brexit

The upcoming by-election in Makerfield, scheduled for 18 June, is rapidly emerging as a symbolic contest for competing visions on Britain’s EU relationship. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor pursuing the Labour candidacy, has found himself caught between the party’s official cautious position and the more forthright positions being advanced by aspiring leaders. When questioned by ITV News on whether he supports EU rejoin, Burnham conceded that “in the long-term there is a case for that” but maintained he is “not advocating that in this by-election”, illustrating the difficult political balance the party must navigate.

Burnham’s equivocation emphasizes the political sensitivity surrounding Brexit in local areas like Makerfield, where the Leave vote stays significant. Should he secure both the Labour candidacy and capture the seat, he would be set to launch a challenge to the leadership against Sir Keir Starmer. However, his meticulously balanced remarks demonstrate the tension between accepting Brexit’s economic costs and respecting the democratic choice expressed in the 2016 referendum—a tension that will likely shape Labour’s leadership discussion.

Reform Party taps into pro-Brexit feeling

Reform UK has pinpointed Makerfield as fertile ground for activating Leave voters frustrated with Labour’s ambiguous positioning on EU relations. The party has emphasised that 65 per cent of the constituency supported Brexit in the 2016 referendum, a significant lead that suggests considerable backing for candidates willing to defend the Leave decision. By contrast, Labour’s failure to strongly support Brexit or outline a clear vision for Britain after Europe leaves an opening for populist challengers to capitalise on.

The appearance of Brexit as a political focus in Makerfield demonstrates broader tactical considerations by Reform UK to present itself as the authentic voice of Leave voters. As Labour leadership contenders discuss the party’s ongoing connection with Europe, Reform UK’s commitment to advancing Brexit defence presents a stark alternative narrative. This shift may complicate Labour’s efforts to retain the seat whilst concurrently addressing internal disagreements over the party’s long-term EU strategy.

The mayor approaches the EU question with caution

Andy Burnham’s reply to inquiries about EU rejoin exposes the unstable position facing Labour’s potential leadership candidates. The Greater Manchester mayor, who is running to become Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election scheduled for 18 June, acknowledged that “in the long-term there is a case for that” when questioned about returning to the European Union. Yet he swiftly tempered this by noting he is “not advocating that in this by-election”, reflecting the party’s wider hesitance to commit openly to a pro-EU position that might alienate Leave-voting areas.

Burnham’s balanced approach mirrors his earlier public pronouncements concerning the 2016 referendum outcome, arguing that any step toward EU rejoin would necessitate a fresh electoral mandate achieved through a general election. This measured stance allows him to signal openness to stronger EU ties amongst progressive Labour members whilst at the same time providing confidence to Leave voters in longstanding Labour constituencies. The delicate balance highlights the electoral minefield Labour must manage as it struggles with its post-Brexit direction and future direction under new leadership.

• Burnham recognises enduring argument for EU rejoin but sidesteps present campaigning
• Any EU rejoin would require renewed electoral approval from the British electorate
• Measured approach aims to appease both reform-minded and Leave-voting Labour supporters

Conservative and Labour parties seize the moment

The Conservative Party has moved quickly to exploit Streeting’s Brexit comments, with Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake condemning Labour’s willingness to relitigate the EU question as a harmful diversion. Hollinrake contended that whilst Labour senior figures debate European policy, the government remains unable to concentrate on the urgent issues of British families and businesses, especially the cost of living crisis and economic stability. This riposte reflects the Tories’ wider approach of depicting Labour as obsessed with reversing Brexit rather than addressing pressing domestic issues. The intervention highlights how deeply Brexit remains embedded in British political debate, capable of reigniting partisan divisions at critical junctures.

Reform UK, meanwhile, has pinpointed Makerfield as promising territory to advance its Brexit-supporting position and appeal to disaffected voters. The party has emphasised that 65 per cent of constituents supported Leave in the 2016 referendum, establishing itself as the authentic guardian of that mandate. By comparing its clear support of Brexit with Labour’s perceived ambivalence and the Conservatives’ difficulties in delivering, Reform UK aims to consolidate Leave voters under its banner. This three-party competition illustrates how the EU relationship question keeps on fracture traditional party loyalties and reshape electoral calculations across British politics.

What the revival signifies for Labour’s future direction

The rise of Brexit as a key focal point in Labour’s leadership race signals a significant reassessment within the party over its strategic direction and ideological stance. Streeting’s readiness to express what many in the party have privately believed—that leaving the EU was economically harmful—represents a challenge to the cautious consensus Sir Keir Starmer has maintained since becoming leader. This fracture suggests Labour’s next leader may face pressure to adopt a more forthright stance on European engagement, potentially transforming the party’s appeal to Remain-supporting constituencies and younger people who regard Brexit as a defining policy failure.

However, the party grapples with a delicate balancing act. Labour’s long-established working-class strongholds, illustrated by constituencies like Makerfield where 65 per cent voted Leave, continue to be deeply wary of any call to reverse the referendum result. Candidates like Andy Burnham must handle this challenge carefully, acknowledging long-term possibilities whilst preventing the alienation of Leave voters in key by-elections. The outcome of these conflicting leadership directions will probably establish whether Labour tries to resolve the Brexit divide or treats it as a permanent feature of British politics, with significant implications for the party’s electoral fortunes and legislative programme.