Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Calls on the Labour Party to Focus Forward Following Keir Starmer Offers Apology to Wes Streeting for Negative Media Leaks
High-ranking Labour figure Ed Miliband has urged the party to leave behind party tensions after leader Keir Starmer directly said sorry to Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP over hostile briefings originating from Number 10.
Important Updates
- Ed Miliband confirms Starmer will sack the No 10 official behind for briefing against Streeting if discovered
- Miliband rules out any party leader plans, stating his previous time as Labour leader was the "best inoculation" against wanting the role again
- UK economic growth increased by just 0.1% in the July-September period, hit by the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack
Context
The internal controversy erupted after allegations surfaced about negative background comments from the Prime Minister's team targeting Streeting. Despite initial efforts to minimize the incident, the talk between the PM and Streeting apparently took a more serious turn.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Wes Streeting, the media have been advised. The conversation was concise, and they did not discuss the chief of staff, whom Starmer is now under increasing scrutiny to sack.
Miliband's Reaction
In his morning broadcast interviews, Ed Miliband highlighted the need for the Labour Party to focus on country-wide issues rather than internal disputes.
Clearly, I think the media briefing has been unhelpful, without doubt.
But my call to the Labour members now is clear, which is we need to focus on the nation, not our internal matters.
We were given a significant election win last July, a historic chance to improve our nation. And we have a serious responsibility.
Growth Update
Meanwhile, government figures revealed the British economic performance grew by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, with the production sector particularly hit by the recent JLR security incident.
The Day's Schedule
- 9.30am: NHS England issues its monthly performance figures
- Morning: The Health Secretary is visiting the Liverpool area
- Morning: Rachel Reeves speaks to the press
- Late morning: Number 10 holds its regular lobby briefing
- Today: Keir Starmer promotes plans for the Britain's first nuclear power plant at Wylfa on Anglesey
