Ed Miliband Calls on Labour to Focus Forward Following Starmer Offers Apology to Streeting for Negative Briefings
Senior Labour official Ed Miliband has urged the party to move beyond party disputes after leader Keir Starmer personally said sorry to health minister Wes Streeting MP over damaging briefings linked to Downing Street.
Major Developments
- Miliband declares Starmer will fire the Downing Street staffer behind for targeting Streeting if identified
- The Energy Secretary rejects future leadership aspirations, stating his previous experience as leader was the "best protection" against seeking the role again
- UK economy expanded by just 0.1% in the third quarter, impacted by the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack
Background
The internal turmoil began after allegations emerged about negative background comments from the Prime Minister's team targeting the Health Secretary. Despite early efforts to dismiss the incident, the talk between Starmer and the health minister according to sources followed a different turn.
Starmer expressed regret to Wes Streeting, journalists have been informed. The conversation was short, and they did not discuss the chief of staff, whom Starmer is now under increasing scrutiny to sack.
Miliband's Reaction
In his early morning media appearances, Miliband highlighted the need for the party to focus on country-wide issues rather than internal conflicts.
Clearly, I think the media briefing has been unhelpful, certainly.
But my advice to the Labour members today is clear, which is we need to concentrate on the nation, not ourselves.
We were given a significant mandate last summer, a historic chance to transform our nation. And we have a historic responsibility.
Growth News
Separately, official data revealed the UK economy increased by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, with the production sector especially affected by the recent Jaguar Land Rover hack.
The Day's Agenda
- 9.30am: The National Health Service issues its latest data
- Today: Wes Streeting visits the Liverpool area
- Morning: The Chancellor speaks to the journalists
- 11.30am: Number 10 holds its regular lobby briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister promotes plans for the Britain's first nuclear power facility at Wylfa on Anglesey
