Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Encourages the Labour Party to Focus Forward After Keir Starmer Apologises to Streeting for Negative Backgrounding
High-ranking Labour Party figure Ed Miliband has urged the party to move beyond internal conflicts after Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally said sorry to Health Secretary Wes Streeting over hostile media stories coming from Downing Street.
Major Updates
- Miliband declares the Prime Minister will fire the Downing Street staffer behind for briefing against Wes Streeting if found
- The Energy Secretary rejects any leadership aspirations, saying his past experience as Labour leader was the "most effective inoculation" against seeking the role again
- British economic growth expanded by just 0.1% in the July-September period, hit by the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack
Context
The political unrest began after allegations circulated about critical briefings from Starmer's allies targeting Streeting. Despite initial efforts to minimize the situation, the conversation between Starmer and Streeting reportedly followed a different turn.
Starmer apologised to Streeting, reporters have been advised. The conversation was brief, and they did not discuss Morgan McSweeney, whom the PM is now under pressure to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Reaction
In his early morning media interviews, Miliband highlighted the need for the Labour Party to direct attention on national matters rather than party conflicts.
Clearly, I think the media briefing has been bad, without doubt.
But my advice to the party today is clear, which is we need to prioritize the public, not ourselves.
We were given a major victory last summer, a important chance to improve our nation. And we have a serious responsibility.
Growth Update
Separately, official data showed the British economic performance grew by just 0.1% in the July-September period, with the industrial industry particularly hit by the recent JLR cyber-attack.
The Day's Agenda
- Morning: NHS England releases its latest performance figures
- Today: The Health Secretary is visiting the Liverpool area
- Morning: The Chancellor makes comments to the press
- Late morning: Number 10 holds its regular media briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister announces plans for the Britain's pioneering nuclear power plant at Wylfa on Anglesey