Wes Streeting has spoken out against the volume of homophobic abuse he has faced online since becoming the United Kingdom's first openly gay Defence Secretary, stating it is the most severe he has experienced in his political career. Streeting made these remarks at an event at the Edinburgh Fringe, detailing that he has encountered an 'unbelievable volume' of abuse from individuals who object to his position overseeing the UK's Armed Forces.
He noted that while his appointment three weeks prior was largely met with little attention in the media, it has resonated strongly online. Streeting sees his role as an opportunity to project strength and challenge persistent stereotypes found in less visible corners of the internet.
The historical context of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military remains a significant point for Streeting. Homosexuality was decriminalized in the UK in 1967 but remained a criminal offense for military personnel until 1994. Even after this date, being gay was considered 'conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline' until 2000, which could lead to dismissal from service.
"I am proud of the fact that in my lifetime we've gone from gay people not being allowed to serve in the military to a gay Defence Secretary," Streeting stated. He shared an anecdote from his first week, where a colleague at the Ministry of Defence expressed pride in having the first gay Defence Secretary, acknowledging the significance for many who remember past discrimination.
Streeting's remarks at the Edinburgh Fringe followed his first official visit to Ukraine in his new capacity. During this visit, he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed collaborative efforts to protect against Russian ballistic threats. This engagement occurred shortly after Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration transferred the intellectual property for its Stone Cloak signal-jamming system to Ukraine, enabling large-scale local production of the device designed to counter Russian drone detection.
Prior to his current role, Streeting was considered a potential candidate to succeed Sir Keir Starmer. However, following Starmer's resignation and Burnham's formal announcement of his candidacy for leadership, Streeting decided not to contest the position. He explained that discussions with Burnham during the Makerfield by-election campaign revealed insufficient fundamental differences between them to warrant a bid.
Streeting recounted a conversation over tea with Burnham, where they discussed past party issues and potential solutions. "The more we were talking, the more I was thinking, how much do I fundamentally disagree with this guy on anything?" he said.
He informed Burnham of his support on the Friday after the Makerfield by-election, with the announcement made public the following Monday. Streeting described a period of intense deliberation over the weekend, after which he felt a significant weight lifted upon making his decision public.
When asked if Burnham would likely have become Prime Minister had he not resigned as Health Secretary, Streeting indicated it was probable he would not have. He concluded that his own resignation that week had, in his view, prompted necessary choices for others.