Summary
Overview
In this episode, The News Agents dive into the Labour Party's Brexit turmoil following Wes Streeting's declaration that he wants Britain to rejoin the EU during his lifetime. The discussion focuses on Andy Burnham's impending by-election in Makerfield, where he must navigate Brexit politics while positioning himself as a potential Prime Minister. The episode also features an extended interview with Jess Phillips, who recently resigned from government over frustrations with the slow pace of child protection legislation, revealing deeper concerns about Keir Starmer's inability to drive through meaningful change.
Brexit Returns: The EU Debate Reignites
Wes Streeting reopened the Brexit Pandora's box at a Progress rally, declaring his desire to see Britain rejoin the EU during his lifetime. This forced Andy Burnham, preparing for the Makerfield by-election, into damage control mode, carefully reading from notes to ensure he didn't misstep. The timing appears strategic, with some suggesting Streeting is positioning himself for a future leadership contest while Burnham must navigate the Brexit-voting constituency of Makerfield.
- Andy Burnham delivers carefully scripted remarks shutting down Brexit debate at Leeds business conference
- Wes Streeting states he wants to see Britain rejoin the EU during his lifetime and calls for a new special relationship
- The Brexit debate has engulfed Labour after being dormant, forcing potential leaders to clarify positions
" We are partying like it is 2016 again. "
" I am not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU. I respect the decision that was made at the referendum and it's going to undermine everything I've said about strengthening democracy if we don't respect that vote. "
Makerfield By-Election: A Critical Test
The Makerfield by-election has become a crucial battleground that could determine Labour's future leadership. The constituency, which was Reform's 13th closest second place, is demographically aligned with Reform's core vote - heavily Leave-voting, older, and 96-97% white. However, polling suggests Burnham personally outperforms the Labour Party by two-to-one, and surprisingly, the constituency might now vote narrowly for Remain in a rerun referendum, demonstrating how much has shifted in a decade.
- Polling shows Burnham would win 45% vs Reform's 42%, but without him Labour would lose 27% to Reform's 53%
- Makerfield was heavily Brexit-voting a decade ago but polling suggests it might now vote narrowly Remain
- The constituency is Reform's 13th closest second place and demographically tailor-made for their appeal
" Right now, Brexit is the status quo. It is the establishment. It is what we've got. And people are going, hang on a sec. This hasn't got any better. I don't understand. I thought you guys promised that it would all be better. "
" We think the vote, the seat would vote narrowly for remain in a rerun of the referendum, exclamation mark. "
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