Streeting sparks backlash with attack on Plaid Cymru and SNP
Mark Mansfield
Wes Streeting has sparked a furious backlash after comparing the rise of Plaid Cymru and the SNP to the threat posed by Reform UK, claiming nationalism now represents an “existential threat” to the future of the United Kingdom.
The former health secretary made the remarks during his first Commons speech since resigning from Sir Keir Starmer’s government last week, in comments likely to deepen Labour’s tensions with pro-independence parties in Wales and Scotland.
Streeting said he quit the Cabinet because Labour was “losing the fight against nationalism” and warned the party risked “handing the keys of Number 10 to Reform” unless it changed course.
Turning his sights on Plaid Cymru and the SNP, he told MPs: “For the first time in our history, nationalists are in power in every corner of the United Kingdom.
“Scottish and Welsh nationalism represents 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.”
The remarks came just weeks after Plaid Cymru swept to victory in Wales and the SNP regained power in Scotland, results that have intensified Labour infighting over the future direction of the party.
Streeting added: “Nationalism says, ‘look inward, protect your own, turn away from the others”.
His comments drew a sharp rebuke from Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts.
Responding to Streeting’s remarks, she said: “Labour lost on May 7 because they failed to understand Wales.
“Wes Streeting today revels in ignorance by comparing Plaid Cymru’s inclusive internationalism with Reform UK’s divisive populism.
“Welsh voters know the difference. Labour should too.”
The former health secretary also framed the political battle facing Labour as one between “patriots versus nationalists” and “hope over hate.”
Unrest
Streeting’s intervention also piled fresh pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, whose leadership is facing mounting unrest following Labour’s recent electoral drubbing.
The former Cabinet minister said Labour had no “time to waste treading water” and warned the party risked losing power altogether unless it changed direction.
His speech came as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham prepares to contest the Makerfield by-election, widely seen as the opening move in a future Labour leadership challenge.
Streeting has also indicated he intends to stand in any future contest himself.
Despite the escalating speculation around Labour leadership candidates, Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he will not “walk away” from Downing Street.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Like many politicians, Streeting is completely ignorant when it comes to politics on this island, and the one to our west. Welsh, Scottish, Cornish and Irish nationalisms are an anathema to him, and his ilk. His nationalism – indeed his mindset – is that bizarre meld of ‘English British’ and his world is London (that most parochial of cities). When I hear Ken Skates saying that you can’t have a free standing Welsh Labour Party, and movement, he really does need to open his ears and eyes, and realise that his Westminster masters care not one jot about Cymru and… Read more »
Interesting. Wes sez (remember ‘Sez Les’ – Dawson?) ‘Nationalists are in power in every corner of the United Kingdom’. This is the worst slip of tongue of the day beating the PMs ‘North’ Korea one. He has cast his own party as British (English?) Empire nationalists, a virulent nationalism akin to that of Deform, which denies freedom, crushes countries and their people. Dear God, is he their next defector? I want to thank Liz Savile Roberts for putting him straight but it won’t work. His personal agenda has been clearly stated more than once now including on a Scottish referendum… Read more »
I have to say that it is worse than reported. He goes on to compare the current situation with ‘our darkest hour’. This normally refers to the UK immediately after the Dunkirk evacuation. In doing so he places what he calls the ‘nationalists’ in the same bracket as Nazi Germany.
In fairness this is well-trod territory and a huge blunder by Streeting. Ever since Plaid Cymru gave Labour the shock of their lives in the late 60s by coming a close, (and very uncomfortable) second to Labour in their Valleys fiefdom Labour has tried at times to suggest that Plaid are of similar ilk to Nazism. Apart from the sheer ridiculousness of that ‘argument’ lazy people and the hard of thinking fall for it.
It’s a desperate, bad move by Streeting.
Streeting should look closer to home for nasty nationalists. The worst kind of nationalism in these islands in the last few centuries has been English Nationalism (masquerading as British Nationalism). It has engaged in the extremely violent conquest of some 70 countries, meting out monstrous cruelty in the process. It has involved occupation and colonialisation of these countries with immense destruction and the slaughter of many of their innocent civilians. Streeting wants its legacy to remain in Wales and Scotland. I’ll stick to the far more benign Welsh Nationalism.
Nationalism is not inherently a bad thing, despite what many in Labour would have you think. That applies to Welsh, Scottish, British and English nationalism alike. Standing up for your country, defending your country and supporting your country at the World Cup are all perfectly acceptable forms of nationalism. At its best, civic nationalism gives people a sense of belonging, encourages pride in their community, and can foster unity and inclusiveness.
Trying to conflate civic nationalism with ethnic “blood and soil” nationalism or imperialism simply downplays the real dangers of political extremism.
The difference between patriotism and nationalism. Plaid and SNP are more patriotic parties than they are truly ‘nationalist’. It’s pretty pointless, however, arguing this point with someone who has arrived at the notion of nationalism=nazism.
Palantir Wes
‘Turning his sights on Plaid Cymru and the SNP, he told MPs: “For the first time in our history, nationalists are in power in every corner of the United Kingdom. “Scottish and Welsh nationalism represents an existential threat to the future integrity of the United Kingdom.’ Does this man have no concept or understanding that this is what the people of Wales and Scotland might actually want? Like most of the English establishment, the extinguishment of self determination (AKA give the people what they want) seems to be a prized goal of this little Englander. The English bang on about… Read more »
Wes Streeting = colonialist lacky
A pretty solid explanation of why he has no place in politics. This man is utterly delusional.
England has been imposing their will on Wales with their brand of Nationalism now Wales has awoken and starting to push back and they do not like it their way of imperialism being questioned
And its beautiful to watch.
The faux likening of Reform UK with Plaid Cymru and the SNP has been a favourite ploy of unionists for some time now. Anyone buying into such nonsense is probably already in the assimilationist camp who share Sweeting’s BritNat worldview. It’s comforting, but delusional.
We can’t exclude the possibility that he genuinely believes this.