Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Encourages Labour to Look Ahead After Keir Starmer Offers Apology to Streeting for Negative Backgrounding
High-ranking Labour official Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has demanded the party to leave behind party tensions after PM Keir Starmer directly apologised to health minister Wes Streeting over negative briefings originating from Downing Street.
Key Updates
- Miliband declares the Prime Minister will dismiss the No 10 source behind for briefing against Wes Streeting if discovered
- The Energy Secretary rejects any leadership aspirations, saying his previous experience as leader was the "most effective inoculation" against desiring the role again
- British economic growth increased by just 0.1% in the July-September period, impacted by the Jaguar Land Rover security breach
Context
The political turmoil erupted after allegations circulated about negative background comments from the Prime Minister's supporters targeting Streeting. Despite initial efforts to minimize the incident, the conversation between the PM and the health minister according to sources followed a more serious direction.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Wes Streeting, the media have been advised. The exchange was brief, and they did not address Morgan McSweeney, whom the PM is now under pressure to sack.
Miliband's Statement
In his early morning media appearances, Ed Miliband stressed the need for the party to focus on country-wide issues rather than internal conflicts.
Look, I think the briefing has been damaging, without doubt.
But my message to the Labour members now is clear, which is we need to focus on the country, not ourselves.
We were given a significant election win last summer, a important opportunity to transform our country. And we have a major obligation.
Growth News
Meanwhile, official data showed the UK economy increased by just 0.1% in the July-September period, with the production sector especially impacted by the recent JLR hack.
The Day's Agenda
- Morning: NHS England publishes its latest data
- Morning: Wes Streeting visits the Liverpool area
- Today: The Chancellor speaks to the media
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds its daily lobby briefing
- Today: The Prime Minister announces government plans for the UK's pioneering small modular reactor plant at Wylfa site on the island of Anglesey
