Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Calls on Labour to Move On Following Starmer Says Sorry to Wes Streeting for Hostile Backgrounding
High-ranking Labour Party figure Ed Miliband has demanded the party to move beyond party disputes after leader Sir Keir Starmer directly expressed regret to Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP over negative media stories originating from the Prime Minister's office.
Major Events
- Miliband declares Starmer will dismiss the Downing Street source responsible for briefing against Wes Streeting if found
- Miliband rejects any leadership plans, declaring his past experience as leader was the "most effective protection" against desiring the role again
- British economy increased by just 0.1% in the July-September period, affected by the Jaguar Land Rover hack
Background
The political turmoil began after media stories surfaced about negative briefings from Starmer's team targeting the Health Secretary. Despite initial attempts to dismiss the matter, the talk between Starmer and the health minister reportedly followed a more serious direction.
Starmer said sorry to Wes Streeting, reporters have been informed. The conversation was concise, and they did not address the chief of staff, whom the PM is now under pressure to sack.
The Energy Secretary's Response
In his early morning broadcast appearances, Miliband highlighted the need for the party to focus on national priorities rather than internal disputes.
Look, I think the briefing has been bad, no question.
But my message to the Labour members today is quite simple, which is we need to concentrate on the public, not each other.
We were given a significant election win last July, a major chance to transform our country. And we have a major obligation.
Growth Update
Meanwhile, government data indicated the British economy expanded by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, with the manufacturing industry especially hit by the recently reported JLR cyber-attack.
The Day's Schedule
- 9.30am: NHS England publishes its monthly performance figures
- Morning: Wes Streeting visits Liverpool
- Today: The Chancellor speaks to the press
- Late morning: Downing Street conducts its regular lobby briefing
- Today: Keir Starmer promotes plans for the UK's first nuclear power project at Wylfa site on Anglesey