Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Urges the Labour Party to Focus Forward Following Keir Starmer Apologises to Streeting for Negative Backgrounding
Senior Labour Party figure Ed Miliband has called for the party to put aside party disputes after leader Sir Keir Starmer personally apologised to Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP over negative media stories originating from the Prime Minister's office.
Important Developments
- Ed Miliband states the Prime Minister will sack the No 10 staffer responsible for briefing against Streeting if identified
- The Energy Secretary dismisses any party leader ambitions, declaring his past experience as leader was the "strongest inoculation" against desiring the position again
- UK economy increased by just 0.1% in the July-September period, affected by the Jaguar Land Rover security breach
Background
The political controversy started after allegations surfaced about negative briefings from the Prime Minister's allies targeting the Health Secretary. Despite early attempts to dismiss the situation, the conversation between Starmer and Streeting reportedly followed a more serious direction.
The Prime Minister said sorry to Streeting, reporters have been told. The exchange was brief, and they did not discuss Morgan McSweeney, whom Starmer is now under increasing scrutiny to sack.
Miliband's Statement
In his morning broadcast appearances, Ed Miliband emphasized the need for the Labour Party to concentrate on country-wide priorities rather than party disputes.
Look, I think the media briefing has been bad, no question.
But my advice to the Labour party now is straightforward, which is we need to prioritize the public, not ourselves.
We were given a significant mandate last summer, a historic chance to improve our nation. And we have a major duty.
Economic News
Separately, official data indicated the UK economic performance grew by just 0.1% in the third quarter, with the manufacturing sector especially impacted by the recent Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack.
Today's Schedule
- Morning: The National Health Service releases its latest performance figures
- Morning: Wes Streeting visits the Liverpool area
- Morning: Rachel Reeves speaks to the press
- Late morning: Downing Street holds its daily media briefing
- Today: The Prime Minister announces plans for the UK's pioneering nuclear power plant at Wylfa on Anglesey