Streeting attacks those who ‘globalise the intifada in deeds’ as he confirms leadership bid
Wes Streeting: Labour must confront hatred and rebuild for all
Wes Streeting has condemned those who “globalise the intifada in deeds, not just words” as he launched a campaign to oust the Prime Minister.
In his first speech since resigning as Health Secretary, the Ilford North MP took aim at both Reform UK and the Green Party, denouncing “the forces of racism, discrimination, and hatred.”
He highlighted the impact on the Jewish community, saying, “We’ve also seen Jewish people murdered and attacked on their shores and on our streets, kids in my constituency trying to hide their school uniforms and Stars of David because they fear being abused or attacked just for being Jews.”
While focusing much of his criticism on the rise of Nigel Farage’s party—warning that Reform UK could win the next general election unless Labour changes direction—Streeting also accused the Green Party of ignoring antisemitism within its ranks.
He said:”When it comes to antisemitism on the left, the Green Party choose to look the other way, because their party is now riddled with those whom we expelled.”
Turning to Reform UK, he said: “Racism on the march—shocking, shameful, and a stain on this nation’s conscience and reputation.
“Nigel Farage and Reform seek to exploit division and hatred to benefit from it at the ballot box.”
Streeting added: “This is our fight. This has always been Labour’s fight—not just to confront the forces of racism, discrimination, and hatred, but to build a path to a better and brighter future for everyone, where everyone has a stake in this country, and everyone has the opportunity and security they need, not just to survive, but to thrive.”
Streeting’s speech came on a day when both pro-Palestine and far-right demonstrations in central London saw renewed examples of hate chants.
Earlier in the day Streeting’s ally and former Jewish Labour Movement chief Adam Langleben, now executive director of the Progress group, criticised “arrogant” talk about the hasty coronation of a new Labour leader.
In what observers interpreted as a veiled warning to Burnham, Langleben said:” We should have no time for coronation politics. It’s arrogant nonsense and our party and the public deserve far better.”
Streeting also called for a “proper contest” to replace Starmer, confirming he would stand if a leadership race is triggered. He and other senior Labour figures are making their case to oust the Prime Minister.
He said Britain must pursue a “new special relationship” with the European Union and signalled his desire for the UK to rejoin the trade bloc in the future.
Streeting is among several senior Labour figures calling for a debate over the party’s direction, following bruising election results across England, Scotland, and Wales.
His intervention comes after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was cleared to run for selection as the candidate in the Makerfield by-election.
Burnham has said he is prepared to “fight to the highest level”, as he and other senior Labour figures compete to shape Labour’s future leadership.
Earlier in the day Streeting’s ally and former Jewish Labour Movement chief Adam Langleben, now executive director of the Progress group, criticised “arrogant” talk about the hasty coronation of a new Labour leader.
In what observers interpreted as a veiled warning to Burnham, Langleben said:” “We should have no time for coronation politics. It’s arrogant nonsense and our party and the public deserve far better.”
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