THE TELEGRAPH: Wes Streeting has called for the UK to rejoin the European Union, saying that “Britain’s future lies with Europe”.
The former health secretary said that leaving the EU was a “catastrophic mistake” as he confirmed he will run to replace Sir Keir Starmer at the next Labour leadership election.
Speaking on Saturday at a conference organised by the Labour pressure group Progress, Mr Streeting said: “In 2026, the British people increasingly see that in a dangerous world, we must club together, both to rebuild our economy and trade, and improve our defence against the shared threats from Russian aggression and America First.
“The biggest economic opportunity we have is on our doorstep. We need a new Special Relationship with the EU, because Britain’s future lies with Europe – and one day back in the European Union.”
Mr Streeting’s remarks on the EU signal his first policy position since quitting Cabinet, as he launches a bid to become the next Prime Minister. » | Dominic Penna Senior Political Correspondent. Sabrina Miller Whitehall Correspondent. Camilla Turner Sunday Political Editor | Saturday, May 16, 2026
At last! A politician with the courage to say what needed to be said! We ARE Europeans and our place is right in the heart of Europe. It's our undeniable and inevitable destiny. — © Mark Alexander
ADDENDUM:
I was never a fan of Wes Streeting. Especially as the Health Secretary. But now he comes out with the need for the UK to rejoin the EU, showing his determination to take us back into the Union, he has shown that he is wiser than his youthful appearance would imply. Go for it, Wes! It’s what the young and forward-thinking people of this nation want. Ignore the pleadings of the fossils! — © Mark Alexander
