Brexit debate reignited in UK amid criticism of PM Keir Starmer

Labour leadership contender Wes Streeting has described Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake” and said Britain could “one day” return to the European Union, bringing renewed attention to the issue in an emerging contest to succeed Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Almost a decade after the UK voted to leave the EU, Brexit has largely remained a subdued topic in British politics, with party leaders traditionally avoiding reopening divisive arguments from the 2016 referendum, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

However, Streeting, a former health minister and prominent Labour figure, has placed the issue back in focus following his resignation last week and a speech widely interpreted as an informal leadership pitch.

“Britain's future lies with Europe and one day, one day, back in the European Union,” he said.

His comments have sparked debate within Labour, with some MPs questioning why he would, in the words of one party official, “pin himself to a fringe issue the public left behind years ago”.

Supporters of rival leadership hopeful and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham suggested the remarks were an attempt to complicate his potential bid for a parliamentary seat that could pave the way for a leadership challenge.

The intervention has also been welcomed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has made Brexit central to his political messaging and said the upcoming by-election in Makerfield would become a focal point in the debate over the UK’s relationship with Europe.

Within Labour, some MPs warned that Streeting’s position could prove politically risky, with one MP telling the BBC they could not support a leadership candidate who made rejoining the EU a central campaign theme.

While polling suggests a slim majority of Britons would support rejoining the EU, backing weakens when voters are presented with potential trade-offs such as free movement or adopting the euro.

Prime Minister Starmer has previously said he aims to put “Britain at the heart of Europe” but has stopped short of advocating re-entry into the bloc, reflecting the sensitivity of the issue.

Although no formal leadership challenge has been declared, speculation is growing within Labour as internal divisions and differing views on Europe continue to shape the party’s direction.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov