Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Urges the Labour Party to Focus Forward After Keir Starmer Says Sorry to Streeting for Hostile Media Leaks
Senior Labour figure Ed Miliband has called for the party to leave behind internal tensions after leader Keir Starmer directly expressed regret to Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP over hostile leaked comments originating from Downing Street.
Important Developments
- Ed Miliband states Starmer will sack the Downing Street official responsible for briefing against Streeting if discovered
- Miliband rejects any leadership plans, declaring his previous experience as Labour leader was the "best vaccine" against wanting the role again
- UK economic growth grew by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, impacted by the JLR cyber-attack
Background
The internal unrest erupted after media stories circulated about critical background comments from Starmer's team targeting Streeting. Although early attempts to minimize the situation, the talk between Starmer and the health minister apparently followed a different direction.
The Prime Minister apologised to Streeting, reporters have been informed. The discussion was concise, and they did not talk about the chief of staff, whom Starmer is now under pressure to dismiss.
Miliband's Response
In his early morning broadcast appearances, Ed Miliband highlighted the need for the Labour Party to direct attention on country-wide issues rather than party conflicts.
Look, I think the backgrounding has been bad, no question.
But my call to the party now is straightforward, which is we need to prioritize the country, not ourselves.
We were given a historic victory last July, a important chance to change our country. And we have a major obligation.
Growth News
Meanwhile, official data indicated the UK economic performance increased by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, with the manufacturing industry particularly impacted by the recently reported JLR security incident.
Today's Agenda
- 9.30am: NHS England releases its latest statistics
- Morning: The Health Secretary is visiting the Liverpool area
- Morning: Rachel Reeves makes comments to the press
- Late morning: Number 10 holds its daily lobby briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister announces government plans for the UK's pioneering nuclear power project at Wylfa site on Anglesey
