No ‘tailor-made’ deal for UK if it wants to rejoin bloc, say former EU Brexit officials

Former EU Brexit officials have stated that if the UK seeks to rejoin the European Union, it will not be able to do so on the special terms it previously enjoyed. They anticipate a "warm, welcoming stance" from member states, but also a "hard-headed one," emphasizing that re-entry would require membership on "normal terms." This means the UK would likely have to abandon its past opt-outs and special arrangements. The officials believe that while there is a strategic need for cooperation, there would be no appetite for "British exceptionalism" or a "tailor-made suit." This comes as some senior UK politicians have begun discussing the possibility of rejoining the bloc in the future.

The Labour Party is facing internal debate about rejoining the European Union as potential leadership challenges to Keir Starmer emerge. Wes Streeting, who recently resigned as health secretary, publicly stated that the 2016 decision to leave the EU was a "catastrophic mistake" and advocated for rejoining the bloc. This resurgence of the Brexit rejoining question comes amid a leadership crisis for Starmer, with two key figures identified as potential challengers. The article suggests that the prospect of undoing Brexit is being discussed within the Labour Party as they consider a future beyond Starmer's leadership.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a prolonged period of leadership uncertainty within the Labour Party, described as a "slow-motion coup." While no formal challenge has been mounted, internal plotting and resignations are undermining his authority, leading critics to label him a "lame-duck" leader. This situation contrasts with the Conservative Party's history of more efficient leadership challenges. Labour's rules require a higher threshold of MP support to trigger a leadership election, which is then decided by party membership, potentially allowing a leader to survive despite lacking full MP backing. This institutional difference means Britain could remain in a state of leadership limbo for weeks.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has called Wes Streeting's recent call for Britain to rejoin the European Union "odd." Streeting, a former cabinet colleague, stated that the country's future lies back in the bloc, a sentiment Nandy acknowledged sharing but questioned the timing of the renewed focus. Nandy emphasized that the current government is working to pragmatically address the damage caused by the Brexit deal without reopening settled debates. Streeting's remarks come amid speculation about a Labour leadership contest and the Makerfield byelection. While Streeting indicated he would stand if a contest begins, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who intends to run in the byelection, stated rejoining the EU would not be a focus of his campaign.

Wes Streeting, a former health secretary, has officially announced his intention to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. This announcement comes after the Labour Party's poor performance in recent local elections and amid growing unpopularity for Starmer. Streeting, known for his communication skills and working-class background, stated that the party needs to change course to avoid further decline. He is the first MP to formally declare his candidacy, and other potential challengers, such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, may also emerge. Streeting previously resigned from the Cabinet, citing a loss of confidence in Starmer's leadership and a lack of vision.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has dismissed speculation about a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer as "froth and nonsense." She stated that despite "feverish speculation" surrounding potential challengers like Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, no candidate has officially launched a bid to replace Starmer. Nandy emphasized that Starmer made it clear to the cabinet that a formal process exists for triggering a leadership contest, and no one has yet initiated it. She also indicated that Starmer does not intend to resign before the school summer holidays.

Former British health secretary Wes Streeting has announced he will run to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This comes as pressure mounts on Starmer's government following disastrous local election results for the Labour party. Streeting resigned from the government this week, stating he no longer had confidence in Starmer's leadership. He believes Labour entered government "unprepared" and "lacking clarity of vision." Streeting's announcement suggests a leadership contest is likely, and he has urged Starmer to set a timetable for his departure. If Starmer is replaced, the new Labour leader would automatically become prime minister due to the party's parliamentary majority.

A tumultuous week has left Labour leader Keir Starmer appearing vulnerable, despite no formal leadership challenge. Following poor election results, junior frontbenchers and cabinet ministers resigned, primarily from Wes Streeting's faction, calling for a leadership contest. Streeting himself resigned, acknowledging he lacked the necessary nominations for a broad field of candidates. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seen as a potential successor, with indications that the party's national executive committee would allow him to stand in a byelection. Burnham's allies aim for him to return to Parliament and challenge Starmer before the summer recess, though his success hinges on winning the byelection. Starmer's allies insist he will fight on, questioning the timing of internal party battles.

Andy Burnham, the popular Mayor of Greater Manchester, is being considered by some as a potential savior for the embattled Labour Party, which is facing plummeting approval ratings and recent local election losses. However, Burnham is not currently a Member of Parliament and must first win a special election in the Makerfield constituency to re-enter the House of Commons. If successful, he could then challenge current Labour leader Keir Starmer. Burnham, known as the "King of the North," has a strong track record as mayor and is perceived as being to the left of Starmer. The upcoming Makerfield by-election is seen as a crucial test for Burnham, with the Reform UK party expected to heavily contest the seat.

Labour MP for Makerfield, Josh Simons, will stand down, triggering a byelection and creating an opportunity for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to return to Parliament. Burnham confirmed he will seek permission from Labour's National Executive Committee to contest the seat, aiming to lead the party and address national issues like the cost of living crisis. This move follows previous attempts by Burnham to re-enter Parliament, which were reportedly blocked by current leader Keir Starmer. Senior Labour figures anticipate the NEC will approve Burnham's candidacy, amidst ongoing pressure on Starmer's leadership following recent election results. Reform UK has indicated it will heavily contest the byelection, viewing Burnham as a significant opponent.

British Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned from the Labour government, citing a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Streeting's resignation, announced on X, comes after significant pressure on Starmer following poor local election results. Streeting stated that Starmer would not lead Labour into the next general election and called for a broad debate on the party's future leadership. While Streeting's move intensifies pressure on Starmer, it does not formally trigger a leadership contest. This follows resignations from four junior ministers and calls for Starmer's departure from over 80 MPs.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces potential leadership challenges following significant Labour Party losses in recent local elections. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is expected to announce his bid for leadership on Thursday, having reportedly secured enough support from Labour lawmakers. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who has resolved tax issues that led to her departure from the Cabinet, has indicated she is ready to participate in a leadership contest if one is triggered. The pressure on Starmer stems from voter dissatisfaction with the government's perceived failure to improve economic growth and living standards. Rayner stated that the party recognizes the need for change after the electoral setbacks.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting met with Labour leader Keir Starmer at Downing Street for approximately 16 minutes amid intense speculation about a leadership crisis. The meeting occurred shortly after Dr. Zubir Ahmed resigned as a junior health minister, blaming Starmer for poor local election results and urging him to set a departure timetable. Ahmed argued that "noise created at the centre" under Starmer's leadership hindered Labour's ability to challenge the SNP in Scotland, contributing to their electoral losses. While Streeting's allies suggested the meeting was for him to voice concerns, insiders downplayed speculation of him preparing a leadership bid. The intervention by Ahmed risks increasing scrutiny on Streeting's position within the party.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant pressure to resign following substantial losses in recent local elections and calls for his departure from nearly a quarter of his own MPs. Despite this, Starmer has vowed to continue governing and plans to implement reforms. He is scheduled to meet with Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary and a potential leadership rival, at Downing Street. This meeting precedes King Charles's speech opening parliament, where the government will outline its legislative agenda. The resignations of four junior ministers, including a Streeting ally, highlight the growing dissent within the party, with critics citing a perceived lack of progress and public confidence in Starmer's leadership.

Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, faces pressure to resign from over 80 Labour lawmakers who question his leadership and ability to win the next election. Despite this, Starmer intends to remain in his position as no formal leadership challenge has been initiated. If a new leader were to be chosen, Wes Streeting, the current health and social care minister, is considered a potential successor. Streeting, a centrist, has supported fiscal restraint and increased defense funding, and recently approved a significant pay rise for resident doctors. He has also distanced himself from his former association with Peter Mandelson.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer's authority has been weakened following significant losses in UK local and regional elections held late last week. The party lost over 1,100 seats and control of numerous councils across the United Kingdom, marking a severe electoral setback. Chinese experts suggest these poor results could prompt policy discussions regarding the UK's relationship with China. However, observers believe a complete reversal of the current pro-engagement strategy is improbable due to the potential economic costs for Britain. The elections involved over 5,000 seats in 136 English councils and six directly elected mayors.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant pressure to resign following substantial losses for the Labour Party in recent local elections. The party surrendered hundreds of council seats across England and saw setbacks in Wales and Scotland, with a YouGov poll indicating public support for his resignation. Starmer is reportedly refusing to step down despite calls from over 70 Labour MPs and several parliamentary aides. Economic concerns, including rising borrowing costs and the failure to ease living expenses, are also contributing to the discontent. The appointment of Peter Mandelson, who has ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to Washington has further complicated Starmer's position.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing pressure to resign following significant Labour losses in recent local elections. The party lost over 1,460 council seats in England, with many going to the anti-immigration Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage. This marks the worst election results for a governing party in over three decades. Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide victory in July 2024, has refused to step down, calling his government a "10-year project" but acknowledging mistakes. Discontent has been growing over the past year, particularly regarding Starmer's perceived failure to address immigration. The article explores potential challengers to Starmer's leadership within the Labour Party.

Labour MP Catherine West has challenged ministers to trigger a leadership contest by Monday, threatening to do so herself if no one else steps forward. This comes amid voter frustration that the Labour government has not delivered the change promised in the 2024 election. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that voters are not seeking a leadership contest but rather tangible delivery of their expectations. The article highlights internal Labour party discussions about leadership while acknowledging broader public sentiment focused on government performance.

Labour MP Catherine West has put Prime Minister Keir Starmer "on notice," threatening to trigger a leadership challenge by Monday following significant local election losses for the Labour Party. West stated that if a Cabinet minister does not challenge Starmer by Monday, she will initiate a contest herself, suggesting a reshuffle within the Cabinet as her preferred option. To trigger a leadership contest, West would require the support of 20% of Labour MPs, which amounts to 81 members. She claims approximately 10 MPs are currently backing her effort, with confidence that more will join. The Labour Party experienced substantial losses in recent elections across the UK.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls for his resignation following significant losses for the Labour Party in recent local elections across England and legislative votes in Scotland and Wales. These election results, widely viewed as a referendum on Starmer's leadership, have prompted dozens of lawmakers to demand his ouster. Starmer plans to address the situation in a speech, aiming to outline a new direction for his government, but his position remains precarious. Rivals are reportedly considering their next steps, with one lawmaker threatening to trigger a leadership contest. The Labour Party has struggled with economic growth, public services, and the cost of living, compounded by policy U-turns and a controversial ambassadorial appointment. The recent elections saw Labour lose votes to both the Reform UK and Green parties, indicating a shift in the political landscape.

Following a significant local election defeat, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a leadership challenge. A former minister has stated she will run for the Labour Party leadership if no other candidate emerges, signaling growing discontent within the party. Labour experienced its worst municipal election losses since 1995, leading to increased calls for Starmer's resignation from his own lawmakers. In an effort to strengthen his position, Starmer appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former Deputy Labour Leader Harriet Harman as advisors earlier on Saturday. This situation highlights the pressure on Starmer's leadership after the recent electoral setback.

Following Labour's poor election results, MPs from the party's left are reportedly planning to ask Ed Miliband to consider a leadership bid. This comes as Keir Starmer faces potential challenges from within his party next week. Former minister Catherine West has stated she will launch a bid if no other cabinet ministers come forward by Monday, aiming to break an "impasse." While some MPs support Andy Burnham as a replacement, his return to Parliament is uncertain. Other potential candidates like Wes Streeting have had their ambitions denied by allies. The left-leaning MPs are reportedly concerned about a "Streeting coronation" and believe Angela Rayner lacks sufficient support, leading them to consider Miliband as an alternative.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces significant pressure to resign following substantial election losses for the Labour party across England, Wales, and Scotland. The party lost over 1,400 council seats in England and suffered defeats in devolved parliament elections, indicating a weakening of the traditional two-party system. Challengers including Reform UK, the Greens, and nationalist parties gained ground. Despite these setbacks, Starmer has stated he will continue as leader, though some MPs are calling for a departure timeline within months. Senior ministers publicly support Starmer, but internal concerns persist about his ability to regain public trust before the next national election in three years.

European Green parties have officially called for the United Kingdom to consider rejoining the European Union, labeling Brexit a "political and economic failure." This stance was adopted by a large majority of European Green parties at their annual leadership meeting in Brussels. The declaration, which urges the UK to reverse Brexit, aims to initiate a debate within the UK about its future relationship with the EU. The European Greens stated they are ready to welcome the UK back when it chooses to pursue this path. This intervention comes amidst recent UK local election results and broader calls for energy independence and action against the far-right.

Reform UK has achieved significant gains in England's local council elections, taking hundreds of seats from the Labour Party. The populist right-wing party, led by Nigel Farage, has secured over 500 seats and four councils, with Farage stating Labour is being "wiped out" in traditional areas. This outcome represents a major setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, who have lost approximately 300 councillors. These local election results, held on May 8, 2026, are seen as a potential springboard for Reform UK's challenge in the next UK general election, expected by 2029. Experts suggest Reform UK's success in local government will be crucial in demonstrating their ability to govern and will likely intensify internal pressure on Starmer's leadership.

Keir Starmer has vowed to continue as leader of the UK Labour Party despite significant losses in recent local elections. The results, which occurred on Friday, May 8, 2026, saw Labour punished by voters in traditional strongholds, particularly in central and northern England. The populist Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, emerged as a major beneficiary, gaining over 350 council seats in England and potentially becoming the main opposition in Scotland and Wales. These local election drubbings have intensified doubts about Starmer's ability to govern, though he remains defiant in his commitment to delivering change for Britain.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is making a last-minute appeal to voters considering the Green Party or Reform UK in England's local elections. Facing potential record losses, Starmer argued that these parties are unfit to lead during global instability and that only Labour prioritizes the national interest. He contrasted Labour's promise of progress with the "anger and division" of Reform and the "empty promises" of the Greens. Significant seat losses in these elections could pose an existential threat to Starmer's leadership. Labour hopes to mitigate negative perceptions by highlighting early gains in London, but is expected to face losses in historically Labour areas to Reform and also anticipates setbacks in Scottish and Welsh elections.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party faces significant local and devolved elections on Thursday, potentially marking a sharp setback after two years in power. Analysts predict Labour could experience its worst results in decades due to policy shifts and controversies, with gains expected for Reform UK on the right and the Green Party on the left. In Wales, Plaid Cymru is also polling strongly, challenging Labour's long-standing dominance. These elections are seen as a crucial indicator of the UK's increasingly fragmented political landscape, moving beyond typical local issues to reflect national sentiment. The first-past-the-post voting system, traditionally favoring two-party contests, is now being tested by a multi-party environment where votes are more dispersed.