Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Urges the Labour Party to Move On After Keir Starmer Offers Apology to Streeting for Hostile Media Leaks
Senior Labour figure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has urged the party to move beyond party tensions after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer personally expressed regret to health minister Wes Streeting over negative briefings originating from Number 10.
Important Developments
- Ed Miliband confirms Starmer will fire the No 10 official responsible for attacking Wes Streeting if found
- Miliband rules out any leadership ambitions, saying his previous time as leader was the "most effective protection" against seeking the position again
- British economic growth grew by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, affected by the Jaguar Land Rover security breach
Context
The internal controversy erupted after reports emerged about critical briefings from the Prime Minister's supporters targeting the Health Secretary. Although early efforts to minimize the incident, the conversation between Starmer and the health minister reportedly took a different turn.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Streeting, the media have been advised. The conversation was concise, and they did not discuss Morgan McSweeney, whom Starmer is now under increasing scrutiny to sack.
The Energy Secretary's Reaction
In his morning broadcast appearances, Miliband stressed the need for the Labour Party to focus on national issues rather than internal disputes.
Clearly, I think the briefing has been bad, no question.
But my call to the Labour members now is clear, which is we need to focus on the country, not each other.
We were given a significant election win last summer, a historic chance to transform our country. And we have a major responsibility.
Growth News
Separately, government statistics indicated the UK economic performance increased by just 0.1% in the July-September period, with the manufacturing industry particularly impacted by the recently reported JLR hack.
The Day's Agenda
- 9.30am: NHS England releases its latest data
- Today: Wes Streeting is visiting Liverpool
- Morning: Rachel Reeves makes comments to the press
- 11.30am: Number 10 holds its regular media briefing
- Today: Keir Starmer promotes government plans for the Britain's pioneering nuclear power project at Wylfa site on Anglesey
