Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Urges the Labour Party to Focus Forward Following Starmer Apologises to Streeting for Hostile Backgrounding
Senior Labour Party official Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has called for the party to put aside internal conflicts after leader Sir Keir Starmer personally said sorry to health minister Wes Streeting over hostile leaked comments originating from Downing Street.
Key Updates
- Miliband states the Prime Minister will fire the Downing Street official responsible for attacking Streeting if identified
- The Energy Secretary dismisses any leadership ambitions, stating his previous time as leader was the "most effective inoculation" against wanting the position again
- British economic growth increased by just 0.1% in the third quarter, affected by the JLR hack
Situation
The political turmoil erupted after media stories emerged about negative briefings from Starmer's allies targeting Streeting. Although initial attempts to dismiss the incident, the talk between the PM and Streeting according to sources followed a different direction.
Starmer expressed regret to Streeting, journalists have been advised. The exchange was brief, and they did not address Morgan McSweeney, whom Starmer is now under increasing scrutiny to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Statement
In his early morning broadcast interviews, Miliband stressed the need for the party to concentrate on national issues rather than party disputes.
Clearly, I think the backgrounding has been bad, no question.
But my message to the Labour members now is straightforward, which is we need to concentrate on the country, not each other.
We were given a significant victory last summer, a important chance to improve our country. And we have a serious obligation.
Growth News
Separately, government figures revealed the British economic performance grew by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, with the production industry especially impacted by the recent JLR security incident.
Today's Agenda
- Morning: NHS England releases its monthly performance figures
- Morning: Wes Streeting visits Liverpool
- Morning: Rachel Reeves makes comments to the media
- 11.30am: Number 10 holds its regular media briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister announces plans for the Britain's pioneering small modular reactor project at Wylfa site on the island of Anglesey
