Labour Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper Blasts Colleagues for Trying to ‘Turn the Clock Back’ on Brexit

Labour’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has reportedly slammed her own party colleagues for attempting to “turn the clock back” on Brexit, reigniting internal party divisions over Britain’s departure from the European Union. Cooper’s comments, reported by The Sun, were aimed at MPs like Wes Streeting who continue to advocate for closer ties or rejoining the EU.

Labour’s Brexit Divisions Erupt Again

The infighting within the Labour Party over Brexit has intensified, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper directly confronting those pushing for a reversal of the 2016 referendum result. According to The Sun, Cooper accused her colleagues of attempting to undo the decision made by the British people a decade ago.

Her remarks were specifically directed at prominent Labour MPs, including Wes Streeting, who have been vocal in their desire to rejoin the European Union. This public rebuke highlights the deep-seated divisions that persist within the Labour government regarding the UK’s relationship with the EU.

Cooper’s Stance and Party Split

Yvette Cooper told The Sun that the Labour Party “doesn’t want to turn the clock back” on Brexit, emphasising that the party is focused on “making Brexit work.” This position aligns with Sir Keir Starmer’s consistent messaging that Labour will not seek to rejoin the EU, the single market, or the customs union.

However, the article notes that figures like Wes Streeting have publicly stated that they would “love to rejoin the EU.” This stark contrast in views within the ruling party suggests a significant ideological battle still being waged behind the scenes, despite the official party line.

• Yvette Cooper, Labour’s Foreign Secretary, criticised party colleagues pushing to rejoin the EU.
• Cooper accused them of trying to “turn the clock back” on the 2016 Brexit referendum.
• Wes Streeting MP was named as one of the Labour figures agitating for closer EU ties.
• Cooper reiterated Labour’s official stance of not seeking to rejoin the EU, single market, or customs union.
• The Sun reported on the renewed internal party infighting over Brexit policy.

What This Means for Britain

This public spat within the Labour government signals continued uncertainty over the UK’s long-term relationship with the European Union, despite official denials of rejoining.

For ordinary British people, it means that the political establishment is still debating a decision made by millions of voters, rather than focusing on making Brexit a success.

The Labour government’s internal divisions could undermine its ability to forge a clear and stable path forward on trade, immigration, and international relations.

This ongoing debate risks diverting attention and resources from pressing domestic issues like the cost of living crisis and the state of public services.

It also highlights how some in the political class still struggle to accept the democratic mandate of the Brexit vote, ten years on.

The lack of a unified stance on Brexit within the ruling party could erode public trust and make it harder for Britain to project a consistent image on the global stage.

Share if you believe the democratic will of the British people on Brexit must be respected and enacted.

This article is a factual summary of reporting by The Sun. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.