The ongoing discourse surrounding Brexit reignited this week as Wes Streeting, a candidate for Labour leadership, advocated for rejoining the European Union, labeling the initial departure as a “disastrous error.” Streeting’s remarks at the Blairite Progress Conference stirred varied responses, with him asserting that leaving the EU had diminished the UK’s prosperity, influence, and autonomy to levels not seen since before the Industrial Revolution.
Although Streeting’s stance resonated with some within the Labour Party, it also sparked significant dissent, especially considering the party’s previous commitment to respecting the outcome of the 2016 referendum until 2024. Addressing the Progress Conference as part of his leadership bid, Streeting emphasized the necessity for collaboration in a volatile global landscape to bolster the economy, trade, and defense against common threats like Russian aggression and protectionism.
He underlined the potential economic advantages of forging a renewed partnership with the EU, emphasizing that the UK’s destiny aligns with Europe and eventually rejoining the European Union. In response, several Labour figures expressed bewilderment at Streeting’s proposal, leading to a clash of opinions among party members. Notably, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy found the remarks peculiar, while Andy Burnham refrained from endorsing the idea during a by-election period.
Criticism also emerged from backbench MPs, with Jonathan Hinder of Pendle and Clitheroe suggesting that most constituents would view the notion of rejoining the EU as absurd, given the turmoil caused by Brexit. Amidst varying opinions, recent polls indicate a slight inclination towards rejoining the EU, with a YouGov survey in April revealing that 55% of 2,104 respondents favored reentry compared to 33% who preferred staying outside the bloc.