Former Health Secretary, Wes Streeting has expressed his readiness to contest against Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister if there is an opportunity.
He made this known at a conference organised by the thinktank Progress confirming his willingness, and accused Starmer’s leadership approach of discouraging innovative policy ideas within government, describing the culture as “heavy-handed.”
Wes Streeting criticised the Labour Party’s performance during its first two years in government, arguing that the administration entered office without enough preparation.
The former health secretary also described Keir Starmer’s proposed winter fuel allowance cut as a “catastrophe” and said the party had failed to hold a meaningful internal debate on its future direction since the era of Jeremy Corbyn.
He said: “The moral emergency of antisemitism in our party left little room for intellectual renewal or policy debate on the centre-left. We then had a dishonest leadership contest, followed by an overcautiousness in opposition.
“Interesting policy ideas couldn’t be floated because we were too afraid of what the Tories might say, so we said nothing. Instead of a willingness to challenge ideas and kick the tyres, debate was viewed as division and shut down.”
He added: “We’ve carried this culture into government, with a heavy-handed approach that has seen backbenchers scolded for interesting private members’ bills which weren’t the government’s policy – like banning smartphones in schools.”
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Calling for a credible leadership race, he said: “That’s why we need a proper contest where all candidates can put their best foot forward. It’s got to be a battle of ideas so that whoever wins comes out stronger for it.”
Streeting proposed that the United Kingdom should rejoin the European Union, describing Brexit as “a catastrophic mistake,” arguing that rebuilding closer ties with Europe would help strengthen the economy, improve trade, and boost defence cooperation against threats such as Russian aggression and “America First” policies.
Warning the Labour Party against shifting its politics in response to rivals, he advised the party should not attempt to “out Reform” Reform UK or “out Green” the Green Party of England and Wales ahead of the next general election.
Streeting further criticised the spread of online misinformation, arguing that society had allowed technology figures in Silicon Valley too much influence over public discourse. He said it was “time to take the pen back.”
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