Brexit is already dominating the battle to replace Keir Starmer – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
London – Potential successors to Keir Starmer have already begun staking out distinct positions on Britain’s ties with the European Union, even though no formal leadership contest has started. The prime minister faces pressure after weak local election results, and his rivals see an opening to differentiate themselves on an issue that still divides the party and the country. This early positioning reveals both tactical calculations and deeper policy differences that could shape the next phase of Labour government.
Streeting Moves First on Europe
Wes Streeting chose his first public appearance after leaving the Cabinet to place Brexit at the centre of the debate. He described the 2016 decision to leave as a catastrophic mistake and called for a new special relationship with the EU that would eventually lead back to membership. Streeting stressed that any return would need a fresh public mandate, most likely through a general election still three years away. His remarks also left room for immediate steps short of full rejoining. In earlier comments he ruled out restoring freedom of movement while keeping open the possibility of a customs union. The approach allows him to appeal to Labour’s strongly pro-European members without immediately clashing with the party’s current red lines on the single market.
Burnham Weighs Local Realities
Andy Burnham’s planned return to Parliament through the Leave-voting Makerfield constituency adds a practical constraint to his European stance. He has acknowledged a long-term case for rejoining the EU yet made clear he is not advocating that step during the current by-election campaign. The contrast with Streeting’s more forward-leaning comments highlights how constituency pressures can shape timing and emphasis. Burnham has previously expressed similar hopes for eventual re-entry, including at last September’s party conference. Both men have avoided detailed timetables or policy blueprints, leaving space for future negotiation if a leadership race intensifies. Their shared caution suggests any bidding war on EU policy would develop only once formal contests begin.
Rayner Focuses on Practical Fixes
Angela Rayner has taken a more measured line, arguing that the priority should be fixing problems created by the current Brexit settlement rather than reopening the in-or-out debate. She has pointed to business complaints about reduced competitiveness and limited access to EU markets, urging ministers to address those issues directly. At the same time she has criticised Nigel Farage for over-promising on the benefits of departure, noting that promised gains for the NHS and living standards have not materialised. Her approach avoids committing to rejoining while still acknowledging economic difficulties. It positions her as pragmatic rather than ideological on the issue, a stance that could appeal to voters wary of renewed constitutional arguments. Whether this remains her line in a leadership contest remains to be seen.
Starmer’s Shifting Red Lines
Keir Starmer’s own record shows repeated adjustments. As a leadership candidate in 2019 he defended free movement; later he drew firm lines against re-entering the single market or customs union. In office he has pursued closer alignment in selected sectors, including ongoing talks on an agri-food deal and electricity trading that could expand this summer. He has also rejoined the Erasmus+ scheme and proposed a capped youth mobility agreement. Last week he hinted that the single-market and customs-union red lines might be reviewed before the next general election. Any successor would inherit both the current negotiating agenda and the internal pressure to go further.
| Contender | View on Rejoining | Immediate Proposals | Key Constraint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wes Streeting | Long-term goal | Customs union possible; no free movement now | Needs new electoral mandate |
| Andy Burnham | Long-term case exists | None specified for by-election | Leave-voting constituency |
| Angela Rayner | Not reopening in/out debate | Fix market-access problems | Focus on business competitiveness |
| Keir Starmer | Closer ties without full return | Agri-food and energy deals; youth mobility | Current red lines under review |
The table above summarises how each figure balances ambition with political reality. These differences are already influencing internal party dynamics and could become sharper if a contest materialises. How the next Labour leader manages the EU relationship will affect trade flows, regulatory alignment and the government’s ability to deliver economic growth in the years ahead.
