Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Calls on Labour to Focus Forward Following Keir Starmer Apologises to Wes Streeting for Hostile Media Leaks
Senior Labour official Ed Miliband has demanded the party to leave behind internal tensions after leader Keir Starmer personally said sorry to Health Secretary Wes Streeting over hostile media stories linked to the Prime Minister's office.
Important Developments
- Ed Miliband states Starmer will fire the Downing Street staffer behind for briefing against Streeting if identified
- Miliband rejects any party leader plans, saying his previous time as leader was the "most effective protection" against wanting the role again
- British economic growth grew by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, hit by the JLR security breach
Context
The political controversy started after allegations emerged about negative briefings from Starmer's team targeting Streeting. Although initial attempts to dismiss the incident, the talk between Starmer and the health minister according to sources followed a more serious direction.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Streeting, reporters have been advised. The conversation was concise, and they did not talk about the chief of staff, whom the PM is now under increasing scrutiny to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Reaction
In his early morning broadcast appearances, Ed Miliband highlighted the need for the Labour Party to direct attention on national matters rather than party conflicts.
Clearly, I think the media briefing has been bad, without doubt.
But my call to the party today is clear, which is we need to concentrate on the country, not each other.
We were given a major victory last summer, a important chance to change our country. And we have a historic obligation.
Economic Update
Meanwhile, government statistics indicated the British economy expanded by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, with the manufacturing sector particularly affected by the recently reported Jaguar Land Rover hack.
Today's Schedule
- Morning: The National Health Service releases its monthly statistics
- Morning: Wes Streeting is visiting Liverpool
- Morning: Rachel Reeves makes comments to the press
- 11.30am: Number 10 holds its regular lobby briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister promotes government plans for the UK's pioneering nuclear power facility at Wylfa on Anglesey
