WES Streeting branded the SNP an “existential threat” to the UK as he addressed MPs for the first time since quitting the Government.
The former health secretary made his first backbench intervention for more than six years after resigning in protest over Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Noting that pro-independence parties were now in power in Wales and Scotland, Streeting said that Westminster was “losing” what he described as a fight against nationalism.
He said: “I left the Government because we are in the fight of our lives against nationalism, and it is a fight that we are currently losing. Unless we change course, we risk handing the keys of Number 10 to Reform and I do not want that on our consciences.
“For the first time in our history, nationalists are in power in every corner of the United Kingdom. Scottish and Welsh nationalism represent an existential threat to the future integrity of the United Kingdom and Reform UK represent a threat to the values and ideals that have made this country great.”
He added: “Nationalism says, ‘look inward, protect your own, turn away from the others’.
“Patriotism says, ‘this country is strongest when we are confident enough to be outward-looking, generous, and united – united, but not always the same’.
“On these benches, we believe in a stronger Scotland and a stronger Wales as part of a fairer United Kingdom.
“And 28 years ago this week, the people of Northern Ireland took a leap of faith and voted to endorse the Good Friday Agreement – the triumph of hope over bitter enmity, a reminder that a bigger and better politics is possible when people have courage.”
The former minister quit the Government last week, accusing Starmer of presiding over “drift” and a “vacuum”.
He has signalled he will enter a leadership contest if there is a race to oust the Prime Minister, which would be on the cards if Andy Burnham enters the Commons by winning the upcoming Makerfield by-election.
The Greater Manchester mayor is the favourite to win any future leadership contest, enjoying a large amount of support from Labour members.
But Streeting has laid down the gauntlet on the issue of Europe, saying that he would seek to have Britain rejoin the EU.
Burnham, who has previously voiced similar views, subsequently ruled out re-running the Brexit debate as he fights for a seat in the Commons. Makerfield was staunchly pro-Leave in the 2016 referendum and backed Reform in the most recent English council elections.
