Streeting launches scathing attack on Starmer - and calls for UK to rejoin EU

"The moral emergency of antisemitism in our party left little room for intellectual renewal or policy debate on the centre-left. We then had a dishonest leadership contest, followed by an overcautiousness in opposition. Interesting policy ideas couldn't be floated because we were too afraid of what the Tories might say, so we said nothing. Instead of a willingness to challenge ideas and kick the tyres, debate was viewed as division and shut down."

"We've carried this culture into government, with a heavy-handed approach that has seen backbenchers scolded for interesting private members' bills, which weren't the government's policy like banning smartphones in schools. That's why we need a proper contest where all candidates can put their best foot forward. It's got to be a battle of ideas so that whoever wins comes out stronger for it."

"Streeting criticised the effectiveness of Labour's first two years in power all of which he has spent in cabinet saying Labour arrived in government underprepared in too many areas and lacking clarity of vision and direction."

"The former health secretary, who is expected to launch a leadership challenge in the coming weeks, also described Starmer's proposed winter fuel cut one of the most unpopular policies in the government's term so far as a catastrophe."

Wes Streeting criticized Keir Starmer’s leadership style as heavy-handed and said it reduced creative policy thinking in government. He argued Labour’s first two years in power were ineffective, with the party arriving underprepared and lacking clear vision and direction. He called Starmer’s proposed winter fuel cut a catastrophe and described Labour as not having a true debate about its direction since the Corbyn era. Streeting said moral emergency, a dishonest leadership contest, and overcautiousness in opposition prevented intellectual renewal and policy debate. He added that the culture continued into government, with backbenchers scolded for private members’ bills. He said a proper leadership contest should be a battle of ideas, with candidates able to present their best proposals.

Read at www.theguardian.com