Wes Streeting Throws Down Gauntlet on EU Customs Union
“Brexit Blew a Hole in UK Economy”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has slammed Brexit for Britain’s economic woes and hinted at a possible U-turn on rejoining the EU customs union. Speaking to The Observer, Streeting said: “Leaving the EU hit Britain so hard because of the enormous economic benefits from being in the single market and customs union.”
The Cabinet minister, 42, insisted the UK government wants stronger trade ties with Europe—just not at the cost of losing control over immigration. “Any deal can’t bring back freedom of movement,” he stressed.
Government Draws Line in the Sand
Streeting’s comments clash head-on with the current Government stance. Ministers have repeatedly declared the UK will remain outside the customs union and single market—no exceptions, no freedom of movement.
He did not hold back on Brexit’s fallout, blasting the resulting economic damage and the rising tax burden. Yet Streeting also praised the revised EU trade deal signed in May as a “good start,” highlighting red tape reductions and fishing deal improvements—the kind of compromises Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been pushing for.
Leadership Gossip: Is Streeting Eyeing the Top Job?
The Labour heavyweight played coy when asked about a leadership challenge, neither confirming nor denying ambitions. Despite denying rumours last month that he is plotting against Starmer, insiders see him and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as rising stars with leadership potential.
Customs Union Debate Splits Labour and Risks Political Fallout
Rejoining the EU customs union would mean zero tariffs and customs checks on goods between the UK and Europe. But it would be a massive policy shift, potentially tying Britain’s hands on independent trade deals beyond the EU.
Critics warn this risks the UK’s global trading freedom. Supporters, including Streeting, argue the economic benefits of easier EU trade are worth it.
Streeting’s bombshell hints at growing Cabinet frustration with post-Brexit trade barriers and economic hits. It exposes tension within Labour and the Government over how close Britain should get to Brussels.
Now Sir Keir Starmer faces a tough balancing act: keep pro-EU Labour members sweet without losing the Leave voters who helped Labour make gains at the last election.
