Wes Streeting has called for the UK to rejoin the European Union as he launched his bid for the Labour leadership, warning that the party risks becoming "handmaidens" to Nigel Farage if it fails to address Brexit. In his first speech since resigning as health secretary, Streeting described leaving the EU as a "catastrophic mistake" and urged the party to build a new "special relationship" with the bloc.
Burnham Expected to Shift Stance on Brexit
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is expected to drop his previous call to reverse Brexit as he prepares to contest the Makerfield by-election, a key step in his own leadership ambitions. Allies have indicated that Burnham will not "go big on Europe" in his campaign, focusing instead on domestic issues such as education and housing reform. The Greater Manchester mayor told the BBC he is running to "save" Labour, acknowledging the party has "not been good enough" and requires significant change.
Leadership Race Takes Shape
Streeting confirmed he would stand in any leadership contest triggered by a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer, but suggested his bid would lack legitimacy without Burnham being given a chance to return to Parliament. Former Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told the BBC that Labour cannot have a leadership race without Burnham, citing his strong support within the party and his track record in Manchester.
Poll Shows Divided Opinion on Burnham
A YouGov poll found that 31% of people believe Burnham looks like a prime minister in waiting, while 27% disagree and 42% are unsure. Among Labour voters, 46% view him as a potential PM, compared to 20% who do not. Support is stronger in the North, where 38% see him as a future leader, versus 27% who do not.
London Protests See Dozens Arrested
Separately, tens of thousands gathered in London for rival protests, including Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom march and a pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally. Police deployed 4,000 officers in a £4.5 million operation, resulting in 43 arrests for various offences. The Metropolitan Police said the protests proceeded largely without significant incident despite the high number of arrests.
Burnham Outlines Policy Priorities
In an interview with the Mirror, Burnham called for education reform to make technical education equal to the academic university route, and urged an end to the housing crisis through increased council house building. He also expressed support for proportional representation in Westminster elections, arguing it would help build a "new politics and a different way of thinking."
The Makerfield by-election, triggered by the resignation of the previous MP, will be a crucial test for Burnham's leadership ambitions. The seat voted to leave the EU in 2016, adding complexity to his campaign as he seeks to balance his previous pro-Remain stance with the views of his constituents.
