Political situation in the UK

Streeting challenges Starmer – wants to rejoin the EU

The UK's recently resigned Health Secretary Wes Streeting will challenge Keir Starmer for the role of Prime Minister, he tells Sky News.

– We need a proper process with the best candidates, and then I will stand, he says.

Streeting adds that he wants the country to rejoin the EU.

– We need a new special relationship with the EU, because the future of the UK is with Europe – and one day back in the European Union.

“Special relationship” has been the term for Britain's relationship with the US since the time of Churchill, but it has been increasingly questioned during the Trump presidency.

Streeting does not want to force an immediate fight for the leadership, but first wants to wait for 

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham – another challenger – to be elected to parliament through a local election.

Tens of thousands in double mass protests in London

Tens of thousands of people have gathered on the streets of London for two mass demonstrations on Saturday, several media outlets report. Over 30 people have been arrested.

One, “Unite the kingdom”, is organized by far-right profile Tommy Robinson. The other is pro-Palestinian and commemorates Nakba Day, in memory of Palestinians who were displaced when the state of Israel was formed in 1948. It has grown together with a third march organized by the anti-fascist network Stand up to racism.

Over 4,000 police in riot gear have been called in and for the first time the police will use live facial recognition to identify violent protesters. Drones and armored vehicles will also be used to monitor the protest.

In addition, thousands of football fans will be in central London for the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Analysis: The battle between Starmer's challengers begins

The recently resigned British health minister Wes Streeting confirmed today that he is challenging Keir Starmer for the leadership.

- His announcement gives him a head start over potential rivals. Andy Burnham still has to win a by-election before he can challenge, says Sky News political correspondent Jon Craig.

Streeting sees this as a competition between him and the popular Manchester mayor Burnham, who is not an MP and therefore must be elected in the by-election on June 18, according to Craig.

A heated and divisive debate now awaits within Labour in the weeks leading up to this by-election, The Local's editor-in-chief James Savage tells SVT Nyheter.

- Burnham is by far Labour's most popular politician. He is considered to have succeeded quite well in Manchester, he adds.

The question is whether Streeting can get the support of the 81 MPs needed to challenge Starmer for the role of Prime Minister, according to Savage.