Former British Health Secretary Wes Streeting has reignited one of the most sensitive debates in British politics after describing Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake” and suggesting that the United Kingdom may one day return to the European Union.
Streeting’s comments immediately pushed the EU membership issue back into the national conversation, nearly a decade after the 2016 referendum that led Britain out of the bloc. His remarks come at a politically delicate moment for the Labour Party, as speculation grows over Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership and the possibility of a future leadership contest.
In his intervention, Streeting argued that leaving the EU had weakened Britain economically and diplomatically. He said the country needed a new and closer relationship with Europe, adding that Britain’s future could eventually be “back in the European Union.”
The statement created new tension inside Labour. Some party figures fear that reopening the Brexit debate could damage Labour in areas that voted strongly to leave the EU, especially in northern and working-class constituencies where Brexit remains politically sensitive. Supporters of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have also accused Streeting of using the issue to complicate Burnham’s political positioning ahead of a possible leadership race.
Streeting’s position also contrasts with the more cautious approach taken by other Labour figures. Burnham, for example, has acknowledged that Brexit harmed Britain but has said he is not calling for the UK to rejoin the EU. This difference highlights a growing divide inside Labour between those who want to rebuild ties with Europe gradually and those willing to openly discuss future membership.
The debate also gives Reform UK and Nigel Farage a political opening. For pro-Brexit voters, Streeting’s comments could be used as evidence that parts of Labour want to reverse the 2016 referendum result. That could make the issue especially powerful in any future by-election or leadership campaign.
For Labour, the challenge is clear: many voters now believe Brexit damaged the country, but rejoining the EU remains politically complicated. Any return would likely involve difficult questions over sovereignty, migration, trade rules, and Britain’s place in Europe.
Streeting’s remarks may not immediately change Labour’s official policy, but they have brought the EU membership question back to the centre of British politics. Brexit may no longer dominate every election campaign, but Streeting’s intervention shows that the issue is far from closed — and could once again shape the future of the Labour Party and the United Kingdom’s direction.
