Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Encourages the Labour Party to Focus Forward Following Starmer Apologises to Streeting for Negative Backgrounding
High-ranking Labour figure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has called for the party to put aside internal tensions after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer directly expressed regret to Health Secretary Wes Streeting over hostile media stories originating from Number 10.
Major Developments
- Ed Miliband states Starmer will dismiss the No 10 staffer behind for targeting Streeting if discovered
- The Energy Secretary rejects any party leader aspirations, saying his previous time as Labour leader was the "best protection" against desiring the role again
- British economy expanded by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, hit by the Jaguar Land Rover hack
Background
The political turmoil started after allegations circulated about critical briefings from Starmer's allies targeting the Health Secretary. Although initial attempts to dismiss the incident, the discussion between Starmer and the health minister apparently followed a different turn.
Starmer apologised to Streeting, reporters have been told. The discussion was brief, and they did not talk about Morgan McSweeney, whom the PM is now under growing pressure to sack.
The Energy Secretary's Response
In his morning broadcast interviews, Miliband emphasized the need for the party to direct attention on national issues rather than internal conflicts.
Clearly, I think the media briefing has been damaging, no question.
But my advice to the Labour party now is clear, which is we need to concentrate on the public, not our internal matters.
We were given a major victory last July, a major chance to improve our country. And we have a historic responsibility.
Economic News
Separately, official figures revealed the British economy expanded by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, with the manufacturing sector particularly hit by the recently reported JLR cyber-attack.
Today's Schedule
- Morning: NHS England issues its monthly statistics
- Morning: Wes Streeting is visiting Liverpool
- Morning: The Chancellor speaks to the media
- Late morning: Downing Street holds its regular media briefing
- Today: Keir Starmer promotes plans for the UK's pioneering small modular reactor project at Wylfa site on Anglesey
