Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Calls on the Labour Party to Look Ahead After Keir Starmer Apologises to Streeting for Aggressive Briefings
Senior Labour Party figure Ed Miliband has called for the party to move beyond internal tensions after PM Sir Keir Starmer directly expressed regret to health minister Wes Streeting over negative leaked comments originating from Downing Street.
Key Developments
- Miliband confirms the Prime Minister will dismiss the No 10 staffer behind for attacking Wes Streeting if found
- The Energy Secretary rejects any leadership plans, saying his previous experience as Labour leader was the "strongest protection" against wanting the position again
- UK economic growth grew by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, affected by the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack
Context
The political unrest started after reports emerged about negative background comments from the Prime Minister's supporters targeting Streeting. Despite early attempts to downplay the situation, the conversation between Starmer and the health minister apparently took a different direction.
Starmer expressed regret to Streeting, the media have been told. The exchange was concise, and they did not talk about the chief of staff, whom the PM is now under growing pressure to dismiss.
Miliband's Reaction
In his morning broadcast appearances, Miliband stressed the need for the Labour Party to direct attention on national priorities rather than party disputes.
Clearly, I think the backgrounding has been damaging, no question.
But my advice to the Labour party today is clear, which is we need to prioritize the country, not each other.
We were given a significant mandate last July, a important opportunity to change our nation. And we have a major obligation.
Growth Update
Meanwhile, government figures indicated the UK economic performance grew by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, with the manufacturing sector especially hit by the recent Jaguar Land Rover security incident.
The Day's Agenda
- Morning: NHS England issues its monthly data
- Morning: The Health Secretary visits the Liverpool area
- Today: The Chancellor makes comments to the media
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds its daily media briefing
- Morning: Keir Starmer highlights plans for the Britain's pioneering nuclear power project at Wylfa on Anglesey
