"Ms Nandy, who campaigned with Mr Burnham in Makerfield on Saturday, said Mr Streeting's call to rejoin the EU was like saying "life was fine in 2015, we just need to go back there". And the culture secretary accused him of "reopening the Brexit wars and going round back again around that track.""
"In his opening pitch to replace the British prime minister - even though no formal contest has been declared - Mr Streeting urged Labour to admit Brexit had been a "catastrophic mistake". "We need a new special relationship with the EU, because Britain's future lies with Europe - and one day back in the European Union," he added."
"But reports suggest he will soften his stance as he bids to win the Makerfield by-election. Asked by ITV News if he was still in favour of rejoining the EU, he replied: "I've said in the long-term there is a case for that, but I'm not advocating that in this byelection.""
"Allies of Mr Burnham insist he is Labour's best hope to beat Reform in Makerfield - and at the general election. Josh Simon, who is giving up the Makerfield seat so the Mr Burnham can stand, said victory would mean the end for Mr Starmer but defeat would create an "existential" crisis for the party."
A proposal to rejoin the EU triggered public criticism within Labour. Lisa Nandy condemned the idea as “odd,” comparing it to claiming life was fine in 2015 and calling for a return. She accused the proposal of reopening Brexit conflict. The culture secretary said it meant going back to the same track. The proposal came from Wes Streeting, who urged Labour to admit Brexit was a “catastrophic mistake” and called for a new relationship with the EU and eventual EU membership. Pressure followed on Andy Burnham, who signaled long-term support but said he would not advocate rejoining the EU in the Makerfield by-election. Allies portrayed the contest as vital to beating Reform and affecting leadership ambitions.
Read at Irish Independent
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