UK Culture Secretary Calls Former Colleague's EU Rejoin Call Odd

The UK culture secretary dismissed calls for Britain to rejoin the European Union as odd, a day after former health secretary Wes Streeting said the country's future lies back in the bloc. The culture secretary criticised Streeting on Sunday, saying his comments risked reopening a debate settled by the Brexit referendum ten years ago.

She insisted the prime minister was right to have ruled out rejoining the EU.

Background on the Remarks She told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that she found the sudden focus on Europe odd. She said she shares Streeting's view that Brexit was a mistake and that the deal has been a real problem for living standards. She added that the government is already trying to repair damage from the Brexit deal in a pragmatic way without reopening circular arguments.

Streeting made the comments at a speech in London.

He said in 2026 the British people see that in a dangerous world the country must club together to rebuild the economy and improve defence against threats from Russian aggression and America First. He said the biggest economic opportunity is on Britain's doorstep and that the country needs a new special relationship with the EU because Britain's future lies with Europe and one day back in the European Union.

Streeting said he intends to stand if a leadership contest is started. The byelection has not yet been formally called. The mayor told ITV News on Saturday that rejoining the EU would not be a focus in his campaign. A Labour MP vacating the seat suggested nationalisation of utilities could be part of the pitch to voters.

He said energy, water and social housing have gotten so expensive partly because they were privatised. Allies of the prime minister say he has not given up hope of remaining in office and will enter the race if a leadership election is called.