Why Is Brexit Back In UK's Political Spotlight As Keir Starmer Faces Leadership Crisis?

Why Is Brexit Back In UK's Political Spotlight As Keir Starmer Faces Leadership Crisis? Published By, Last Updated: May 17, 2026, 18:59 IST UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned from the Keir Starmer-led government recently, has called Brexit a "catastrophic mistake". Rapid Read Wes Streeting (L), who resigned from Keir Starmer's government, has voiced support to rejoining the European Union. (Reuters) As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a leadership crisis, the political debacle in the United Kingdom has brought the controversial ‘Brexit’ back into the spotlight. The Labour government suffered a major setback when UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the government, saying he had “lost confidence" in Starmer’s government, marking the most serious challenge for the Prime Minister since a debilitating blow in the recent local elections. After Streeting’s resignation, Labour’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy accused him of reopening the “Brexit wars" within the party. This came after Streeting announced that he would contest a formal challenge to replace Starmer. What Is Brexit? Brexit refers to a controversial 2020 decision by the UK to leave the European Union (EU), a political and economic bloc of European countries. A referendum was called by then-Prime Minister David Cameron in 2016, in which 51.9% of British voters supported leaving the EU, while 48.1% voted to remain. Proponents of Brexit argued that leaving the economic bloc would allow the UK to regain control over its laws, borders, immigration policies, and trade agreements. On the other hand, critics argued that it could harm the UK’s economy, reduce trade opportunities and impede the country’s global influence. Boris Johnson’s government led the official UK exit from the EU in 2020 after years of negotiations and political debates. It marked one of the most significant political changes in modern European history and had major effects on trade, travel, business, immigration, and diplomatic relations between the UK and the EU. Why Is Brexit Being Discussed Again? Days after Streeting’s resignation, he made his opening pitch to become Prime Minister with a call for Britain to rejoin the European Union, according to local reports. He said leaving the European Union was a “catastrophic mistake." “The biggest economic opportunity we have is on our doorstep. 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 said. Streeting’s comments have put Andy Burnham’s position on the issue under the spotlight. The mayor of Greater Manchester, who has voiced support for a reunion with the European bloc, seeks to be a PM contender for Labour, but must win a by-election in Makerfield, which voted to leave the EU in 2016. Burnham’s allies suggested he was not going to be “going big on Europe" in his pitch to voters there, according to The Independent. “I’ve said in the long-term there is a case for that, but I’m not advocating that in this by-election," he said in an interview. Reaction To Streeting’s Comments On Brexit Streeting’s remarks earned the ire of the Labour Party, with Lisa Nandy accusing him of opening the “Brexit wars". Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake said his remarks were “yet another distraction" while people wanted the government to focus on the cost of living, economy and defence, BBC reported. Under Starmer’s leadership, Labour has attempted to tread carefully on Brexit by seeking a closer relationship with the EU without rejoining the bloc’s single market or customs union. deputy PM Angela Rayner, who is also aiming for the PM post, has outrightly rejected revisiting Brexit. Meanwhile, far-right Reform UK is hoping to use Streeting’s remarks to gain support in Makerfield. The party pointed to remarks Burnham made at Labour’s annual conference last year, where he said, “I hope in my lifetime I see this country rejoin the European Union." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: May 17, 2026, 18:59 IST News world Why Is Brexit Back In UK's Political Spotlight As Keir Starmer Faces Leadership Crisis? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...