Ed Miliband Encourages the Labour Party to Focus Forward Following Keir Starmer Says Sorry to Streeting for Aggressive Media Leaks
High-ranking Labour official Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has called for the party to put aside party tensions after leader Keir Starmer directly said sorry to health minister Wes Streeting over damaging media stories originating from the Prime Minister's office.
Important Developments
- Ed Miliband confirms Starmer will fire the Downing Street source responsible for attacking Wes Streeting if discovered
- The Energy Secretary dismisses future leadership plans, stating his past time as leader was the "best vaccine" against wanting the role again
- UK economy grew by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, affected by the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack
Background
The internal unrest began after reports emerged about critical briefings from the Prime Minister's team targeting Streeting. Although early efforts to minimize the situation, the talk between Starmer and Streeting apparently followed a more serious turn.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Streeting, journalists have been told. The exchange was concise, and they did not discuss the chief of staff, whom the PM is now under pressure to remove.
Miliband's Response
In his early morning broadcast interviews, Miliband stressed the need for the Labour Party to concentrate on country-wide issues rather than party divisions.
Look, I think the briefing has been damaging, certainly.
But my message to the Labour members today is quite simple, which is we need to focus on the country, not each other.
We were given a significant victory last summer, a important chance to transform our country. And we have a major obligation.
Growth Update
Meanwhile, official statistics showed the British economy grew by just 0.1% in the third quarter, with the manufacturing industry particularly hit by the recent Jaguar Land Rover security incident.
The Day's Schedule
- 9.30am: NHS England issues its latest performance figures
- Today: Wes Streeting visits the Liverpool area
- Today: The Chancellor speaks to the journalists
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds its regular media briefing
- Today: The Prime Minister announces government plans for the Britain's pioneering small modular reactor project at Wylfa site on Anglesey
