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Brexit Takes Center Stage in Makerfield By-Election.

5/18/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Wes Streeting called the EU exit a catastrophic mistake, prompting Kevin Hollinrake to say it distracts from cost-of-living and defence concerns.
Andy Burnham will stand as candidate in the Makerfield by-election on 18 June and not campaign on re-joining the EU.
Sir Keir Starmer said will back the Makerfield winner and not set a timetable, while Reform UK will highlight Brexit in constituency, noting it captured 50 % of election vote share.

History

Historical Context

On 5 June 1975 Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s Labour government held the UK’s first national referendum on European Communities membership; 67.2 % voted to remain with 64 % turnout. That decisive pro-EU result stood until the 2016 Brexit vote reversed it, showing Britain’s volatile EU relationship. The Makerfield by-election now echoes the split, with Reform UK invoking 1975 while Labour avoids a Brexit timetable.

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Story summary

Wes Streeting called the EU exit a catastrophic mistake, prompting Kevin Hollinrake to say it distracts from cost-of-living and defence concerns.
Andy Burnham will stand as candidate in the Makerfield by-election on 18 June and not campaign on re-joining the EU.
Sir Keir Starmer said will back the Makerfield winner and not set a timetable, while Reform UK will highlight Brexit in constituency, noting it captured 50 % of election vote share.

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