Lammy dismisses Streeting’s call for UK to rejoin EU as ‘sixth form’ debating position – UK politics live

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Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has dismissed former Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s suggestion that the UK should rejoin the EU as a “sixth form” debating position, as Labour’s internal tensions over Europe and leadership come to the fore.

Lammy’s remarks, reported by The Guardian’s live blog, came during a broadcast round in which he also insisted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was not about to set out a timetable for his departure. The comments follow a weekend in which Streeting, who has resigned to run for the Labour leadership, described Brexit as “a catastrophic mistake” and said the UK’s future lay “back in the EU.”

Coverage comparison

The Guardian, the source of both reports, presented the story through two distinct lenses. The first focused on the internal Labour debate, quoting Labour MP Jonathan Hinder’s criticism of Streeting’s proposal and painting a picture of a party in turmoil. The second took a broader view, examining the economic and geopolitical implications of Brexit and noting that EU leaders, including French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot, would welcome stronger UK-EU ties.

The coverage highlights a party at a crossroads: on one hand, figures like Hinder warn that reopening the Brexit debate would alienate working-class voters who defected to Reform UK; on the other, voices like Streeting argue that reversing Brexit is essential for the UK’s future prosperity. The Guardian’s reporting also suggests that the leadership contest between Streeting and Andy Burnham, the Manchester mayor, is shaping up to be a proxy battle over the party’s direction on Europe.

Key claims

• Streeting’s EU stance: Streeting has publicly said the UK should rejoin the EU, calling Brexit a “catastrophic mistake.” This claim is reported by both Guardian pieces, with The Guardian noting that Streeting’s remarks appear to be a strategic move in the leadership race.

• Lammy’s dismissal: Lammy dismissed the EU debate as a “sixth form” debating position, according to The Guardian’s live blog. This comment was carried by a single source and has not been independently verified.

• Hinder’s warning: Jonathan Hinder, a Labour MP, told the BBC’s Today programme that Streeting’s suggestion was a “staggering level of out of touch,” and that Labour was in an “existential crisis” after losing support in its working-class heartlands. This quote is attributed to Hinder in The Guardian’s report.

• Leadership uncertainty: The Guardian reports that Starmer’s position as leader is uncertain, citing a friend of Starmer’s saying his position is not “I will stand, come what may.” This is based on a single source and should be treated with caution.

• Potential candidates: Andy Burnham is identified as a viable candidate for Labour leader, with The Guardian suggesting he could become prime minister by the autumn if he wins a byelection in a leave-voting constituency. This claim is supported by both Guardian pieces.

• Economic impact of Brexit: The Guardian reports that Brexit has cost the UK economy 6-8% of GDP, with trade with Europe down 15% on what it might have been. These figures are attributed to a single source and have not been independently verified.

• EU leaders’ views: The Guardian reports that EU leaders, including France’s foreign minister, would like to see stronger UK-EU ties. This claim is based on a single source.

• Rejoining conditions: Any UK rapprochement with the EU would likely require budget contributions, full regulatory alignment, and free movement, according to The Guardian.

Perspectives

Pro-rejoin perspective: Proponents, including Streeting, argue that Brexit has been economically damaging and that rejoining the EU would restore growth and influence. They point to public opinion shifting in favor of rejoining and see the leadership contest as an opportunity to make the case.

Anti-rejoin perspective: Critics like Hinder argue that reopening the Brexit debate risks alienating working-class voters who left Labour for Reform UK. They believe the party must focus on domestic issues and rebuild trust, not rehash old arguments.

Leadership dynamics: The contest between Burnham and Streeting is central to the debate. Burnham, who must win a byelection in a leave-voting area, has rowed back his EU enthusiasm, while Streeting is using the issue to differentiate himself. This tactical maneuvering may be more about winning the leadership than about policy substance.

European perspective: EU leaders, according to The Guardian, are interested in closer ties with the UK but are unlikely to offer favorable terms without significant concessions, such as regulatory alignment and free movement. The UK’s ability to negotiate a bespoke deal remains uncertain.

Temporal context: A decade after the EU referendum, the issue remains deeply divisive in the UK, with voters still split into remain and leave camps. The current debate occurs just over a week after Labour suffered heavy losses in its former strongholds, prompting questions about the party’s future direction and leadership.