STORY
David Lammy has criticised calls for Labour to reopen the question of UK membership of the European Union, describing the issue as a distraction from the Government’s immediate priorities. The Deputy Prime Minister said Labour had been elected on a manifesto that ruled out joining the single market or customs union.
The comments followed remarks by Wes Streeting, who has argued that the UK should rejoin the EU in the future. Lammy said Labour should focus on delivery rather than internal arguments, warning that extended party infighting would risk weakening the Government and strengthening Reform UK.
The intervention came as Labour faces wider internal tension over its direction after recent electoral losses. The issue is also politically sensitive because Andy Burnham is seeking a return to Parliament through the Makerfield by-election, in a constituency where Brexit remains a significant electoral factor.