Labour’s Starmer revolt revives thorny debate over Britain rejoining EU
The Labour Party is experiencing internal conflict as discussions about rejoining the European Union resurface. Key figures, including Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, are expressing differing views on the issue amid a leadership crisis for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The debate is intensified by recent local election losses and the upcoming by-election in Greater Manchester.
- ▪Labour Party faces a rebellion against Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership.
- ▪Wes Streeting advocates for rejoining the EU, calling the 2016 exit a 'catastrophic mistake.'
- ▪Andy Burnham, who plans to challenge Starmer, acknowledges a case for rejoining the EU but is cautious ahead of a by-election.
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Labour’s Starmer revolt revives thorny debate over Britain rejoining EUSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxBritain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a growing rebellion within his governing Labour Party.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 18, 2026, 05:11 AMUpdated May 18, 2026, 05:11 AMLONDON – The thorny question of whether Britain should unwind a decade of estrangement from the European Union is resurfacing as the Labour Party starts to imagine a future beyond Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Two key figures have emerged as potential challengers after a series of political body blows that have left Mr Starmer’s leadership in crisis, and the spectre of rejoining the EU is creeping back into the debate.Mr Wes Streeting, who resigned from Mr Starmer’s government as health secretary…
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