Labour minister warns against reopening Brexit debates
Labour minister and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has cautioned party colleague Wes Streeting against reigniting “Brexit wars” following his recent call for the UK to consider rejoining the EU, reports BritPanorama.
Nandy described Streeting’s proposal as “a bit odd,” especially in light of the fact that it comes a decade after the UK voted to leave the European Union. She expressed concern over the timing and intent behind the statement in the context of the Labour Party’s current internal challenges.
In an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Nandy acknowledged that while she shares Streeting’s belief that the UK should never have exited the EU, she finds it difficult to understand the sudden emphasis on Europe amid pressing domestic issues. This statement reflects the ongoing tensions within the Labour Party following a series of poor electoral results.
On the same programme, Nandy reiterated her commitment to supporting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in stabilizing the government after Labour experienced significant losses in last week’s local elections, which saw nearly 1,500 councillors ousted across the country.
Commenting further on the approach towards the EU, Nandy remarked, “The Government that he (Streeting) was part of until recently has been trying to take a far more pragmatic approach to bringing us closer to Europe.” She urged that instead of reopening old debates, the focus should be on repairing the damage from a “poor Brexit deal” affecting constituents’ living standards.
Streeting, who addressed attendees at the Progress think tank’s conference, reiterated his view that Brexit represented a “catastrophic mistake.” He advocated for a “new special relationship” with the EU, eventually leading to the UK’s re-entry into the trading bloc. This perspective has, however, stirred controversy and debate within party ranks.
Streeting has officially declared his candidacy for the Labour leadership after resigning as Health Secretary and launching a pointed critique of Starmer’s leadership capabilities amid the ongoing turmoil within the party. Last week’s local elections have intensified calls for change, with over 80 MPs urging Starmer to resign.
The current situation substantiates a notable fracture within Labour, with multiple ministers resigning and Backbencher Andy Burnham positioning himself for a potential return to Parliament as he eyes the Makerfield by-election. Notably, Burnham has also expressed pro-EU sentiments but appears to be treading cautiously given the constituency’s previous support for Brexit.
Nandy’s recent social media posts from campaign engagement in Winstanley underline her commitment to local issues and her alliance with Burnham during this politically volatile period.
The dynamics within the Labour Party will continue to evolve as leaders navigate the challenges posed by internal dissent and external pressures, reflecting the broader complexities facing British politics in a post-Brexit landscape.
