Streeting has publicly adopted a bold pro-European stance, whereas Burnham has said any prospect of rejoining the EU under his leadership is off the cards – but what are the Labour Party’s actual ties to Europe?

There is little evidence to suggest that either Streeting or Burnham have direct ties to European lobbyists or campaign groups, however the Labour Party as a whole most certainly does.

First and foremost, Labour is a full member of the Party of European Socialists (PES). PES is a coalition of social democratic, socialist, and labour parties across Europe. The goals of PES include promoting social justice, growth and jobs, consumer rights, clear rules for the financial sector, human rights and sustainable development. PES claims they are: “Working to shape progressive European policies and make Europe work for its people”. PES is represented in all of the European institutions by its member organisations and leaders, including in the European Parliament where they are represented by the Alliance of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D). Despite Brexit, Labour has been able to maintain its ties to the S&D via its sister organisation, PES.

Labour also has a pro-European function within the party. The Labour Movement for Europe (LME) is a “socialist society” officially affiliated to the Labour Party. Their core values lie in strengthening political, economic and social ties with the European Union as well as being a hub for pro-European voices within trade unions and Labour movements to be heard.

The LME are currently calling for the Prime Minister to announce at the upcoming UK-EU summit that the Labour government will “rip up its red lines on Europe” and seek a new deal in the national interest, and to support the creation of a new body in Parliament to provide democratic oversight of our relationship with the EU. The LME state on their website that “The country is angry, divided and frustrated. We must hear their call for change and show what we stand for – nowhere is the need for this bravery clearer than in our future with Europe.”

The LME boasts nearly 50 members including senior MPs such as Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. They have also hosted events for MPs and European representatives. In June 2024, the LME hosted a Parliamentary Reception which featured guest speakers such as German Ambassador Miguel Berger. They wield a strong presence at the Party Conference, where they have previously worked in partnership with the Party of European Socialists, the Horticultural Trade Association, the Brussels-based organisation Encompass, and the Labour Party Irish Society.  

Labour is also involved in the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Europe (APPG), an official cross-party group that aims to foster dialogue on the UK’s relationship with the European Union. The APPG is co-chaired by Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour MP for Tooting, and Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate, who is a Conservative. It is vice-chaired by Liberal Democrat MP, Wera Hobhouse and Green MP, Ellie Chowns. Their mission statement is to encourage cross-party dialogue on key issues relating to UK-European relations, develop constructive recommendations that enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and promote understanding of the opportunities and challenges in the UK’s relationship with Europe.  

The APPG works closely with European Movement UK which is the largest pro-European movement in the country, and which has the goal of reversing Brexit and restoring relations with Europe.  

“Burnham, who is the most popular rival to Keir Starmer for leadership, has however not embraced an outwardly pro-European stance.”

There are several prominent individuals in Labour that are particularly connected to the pro-European movement. Among them is Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow who has been serving as national Chair of LME since 2022. When appointed to this role, Creasy said: “I’m proud to be taking over as chair at this time and am issuing a call to all those who share our ambition, to join Labour and join the LME.”

Another key figure is Ian Murray, Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts. The minister’s pro-European initiatives have included pledging in March 2026 to tear down touring barriers for UK musicians to perform in the EU. Before Brexit, Murray said: “Turning our backs on our nearest neighbours would be a futile gesture of defeat. That is not the way of our party. That is not the way of this country. The benefits of the EU are compendious and compelling.” He added: “I know and accept that the EU is not perfect, just as I knew and accepted that the UK was not perfect during the Scottish referendum.”

“The mayor has vowed to have a “relentless domestic focus” in Makerfield in the upcoming by-election and would not try to return the UK to the EU.”

Burnham, who is the most popular rival to Keir Starmer for leadership, has however not embraced an outwardly pro-European stance. The mayor has vowed to have a “relentless domestic focus” in Makerfield in the upcoming by-election and would not try to return the UK to the EU.