Ed Miliband Encourages the Labour Party to Move On Following Starmer Offers Apology to Streeting for Negative Backgrounding
High-ranking Labour Party figure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has called for the party to leave behind internal tensions after leader Keir Starmer personally expressed regret to health minister Wes Streeting over damaging media stories originating from Number 10.
Major Developments
- Ed Miliband confirms the Prime Minister will dismiss the No 10 staffer behind for briefing against Wes Streeting if discovered
- Miliband dismisses any leadership plans, saying his previous time as leader was the "most effective protection" against desiring the role again
- British economic growth expanded by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, impacted by the Jaguar Land Rover security breach
Context
The internal unrest erupted after allegations surfaced about critical background comments from Starmer's supporters targeting the Health Secretary. Despite early efforts to dismiss the situation, the talk between Starmer and the health minister apparently followed a different turn.
The Prime Minister said sorry to Wes Streeting, journalists have been told. The exchange was brief, and they did not address Morgan McSweeney, whom Starmer is now under growing pressure to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Reaction
In his morning media appearances, Miliband highlighted the need for the Labour Party to concentrate on national issues rather than party conflicts.
Look, I think the media briefing has been damaging, certainly.
But my advice to the party now is straightforward, which is we need to concentrate on the country, not ourselves.
We were given a historic mandate last summer, a major opportunity to improve our country. And we have a historic responsibility.
Growth Update
Separately, official data revealed the UK economy grew by just 0.1% in the third quarter, with the production sector particularly hit by the recently reported Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack.
Today's Agenda
- Morning: NHS England issues its monthly statistics
- Today: The Health Secretary is visiting Liverpool
- Today: Rachel Reeves makes comments to the media
- 11.30am: Number 10 holds its regular media briefing
- Today: Keir Starmer promotes government plans for the UK's first small modular reactor project at Wylfa site on Anglesey
