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Politics
May 17, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy Dismisses Wes Streeting’s EU Re‑join Call as ‘Odd’

AI Summary
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called Wes Streeting's suggestion that the UK should re‑join the EU "odd" after the Labour MP raised the idea ahead of the Makerfield by‑election. The exchange highlights growing tensions within Labour as the party prepares for a leadership contest and a potential shift in its EU stance.

Lisa Nandy on Sunday rejected Wes Streeting's call for the United Kingdom to re‑enter the European Union, describing the proposal as "odd" and warning it could reopen a debate settled by the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Lisa Nandy Labels Streeting’s EU Re‑join Call “Odd”

The culture secretary’s remarks came a day after Streeting resigned from the cabinet and urged a new "special relationship" with the EU, saying Britain’s future lies with Europe. Nandy told BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that while she shares his regret over Brexit, she does not understand the sudden focus on Europe.

  • Streeting’s speech in London emphasized economic recovery and defence cooperation.
  • Nandy stressed the government’s priority is to repair damage from the Brexit deal without reopening the debate.

Political Stakes in the Makerfield Byelection

The controversy is set to feature prominently in the upcoming Makerfield by‑election, where Greater Manchester Labour mayor Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Keir Starmer for the party leadership. Burnham has said re‑joining the EU will not be a campaign focus, urging voters to concentrate on immediate domestic issues.

  • Labour MP Josh Simons highlighted nationalisation of utilities as a key voter concern.
  • The by‑election has not yet been formally called, and Labour’s candidate selection remains pending.

What This Signals for Labour’s Leadership Contest and UK‑EU Relations

If a leadership contest is triggered, Streeting has indicated he may stand, potentially pulling the EU‑re‑join question into the contest narrative. Meanwhile, Nandy affirmed that Starmer remains committed to staying in office and will enter the race if called.

The episode underscores a growing fissure within Labour between pro‑EU voices and those wary of revisiting Brexit, a dynamic that could shape the party’s policy platform ahead of the next general election.