Quiet conversations inside Westminster are starting to sound a lot louder, especially within Labour ranks.
At the centre of it all is Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has sparked fresh debate by suggesting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer may need to go much further in reversing the economic damage caused by Brexit.
His comments have landed at a sensitive moment, as questions about Labour’s future direction — and leadership — continue to swirl.
Streeting Pushes for a Deeper Reset With Europe
Wes Streeting has made it clear he believes Brexit delivered a serious economic blow to the UK.
While the government has repeatedly said it will stay outside the EU’s customs union and single market — and won’t reopen freedom of movement — Streeting is openly challenging that stance.
He has argued that the country benefited enormously from being part of both frameworks and that closer trade ties with Europe should be back on the table.
Acknowledging Progress, But Wanting More
Sir Keir Starmer has already nudged the UK closer to the EU, most notably through a new trade deal agreed in May.
That agreement reduced red tape and made concessions on fishing — moves that signalled a softer post-Brexit approach.
Streeting acknowledged this progress, describing it as a “good start,” but stressed it doesn’t go far enough to address the wider economic consequences of leaving the bloc.
Drawing the Line at Freedom of Movement
While calling for closer economic cooperation with Europe, Streeting has been careful to outline his limits.
He has insisted that any future partnership must not lead back to freedom of movement, framing this as a key political constraint.
According to him, the challenge is finding a balance between rebuilding trade ties and respecting red lines that many voters still care deeply about.
Tax Pressure and Economic Fallout
Streeting didn’t shy away from the domestic consequences of Brexit either.’
He said the UK has taken a “massive economic hit” since leaving the EU and admitted he feels deeply uneasy about the current level of taxation.
His comments underline a growing concern within Labour about how to fund public services without further squeezing households already feeling the pinch.
Leadership Questions Refuse to Go Away
Alongside his Brexit remarks, Streeting has also kept the door open — just slightly — on a future leadership bid.
Although he denied last month that he was plotting to remove Sir Keir, he has refused to rule out running for the top job one day.
That ambiguity has fuelled speculation, especially as he is often mentioned as a potential successor, alongside Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Brushing Off Leadership Plot Claims
Streeting has previously pushed back hard against claims he is positioning himself for a challenge.
Speaking to Sky News, he dismissed the idea outright, joking that anyone spreading the rumours had been watching too much Celebrity Traitors.
He argued that such briefings are not only untrue but also unhelpful for the Prime Minister.
Starmer Responds to the Pressure
Sir Keir Starmer, meanwhile, appears fully aware of the growing restlessness within his party.
Reports suggest he is already acting as if a leadership contest is underway, reaching out to Labour backbenchers in an effort to shore up support.
The message from Downing Street seems clear: unity now, before internal tensions become something harder to control.
What’s Next for Labour?
With Brexit policy, economic recovery, and leadership dynamics all colliding, Labour faces some pivotal decisions ahead.
Whether Streeting’s calls lead to a genuine shift in direction — or simply intensify internal debate — remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the conversation about Britain’s relationship with Europe, and Labour’s future leadership, is far from over.
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