Ed Miliband Calls on the Labour Party to Focus Forward Following Starmer Apologises to Wes Streeting for Aggressive Media Leaks
Senior Labour figure Ed Miliband has urged the party to leave behind party tensions after leader Sir Keir Starmer personally said sorry to health minister Wes Streeting over hostile briefings linked to Number 10.
Key Updates
- Miliband declares the Prime Minister will fire the No 10 official responsible for attacking Streeting if discovered
- Miliband dismisses any party leader plans, saying his previous time as leader was the "best vaccine" against seeking the role again
- UK economic growth increased by just 0.1% in the July-September period, hit by the Jaguar Land Rover hack
Context
The political turmoil started after reports circulated about hostile briefings from Starmer's supporters targeting the Health Secretary. Although early attempts to downplay the matter, the discussion between the PM and Streeting according to sources followed a different turn.
The Prime Minister apologised to Streeting, reporters have been advised. The discussion was brief, and they did not discuss the chief of staff, whom Starmer is now under pressure to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Response
In his early morning media appearances, Miliband stressed the need for the party to direct attention on country-wide matters rather than party disputes.
Look, I think the media briefing has been bad, without doubt.
But my call to the party now is clear, which is we need to focus on the country, not ourselves.
We were given a significant victory last summer, a important chance to change our nation. And we have a historic responsibility.
Growth News
Meanwhile, government statistics revealed the British economic performance grew by just 0.1% in the third quarter, with the production sector particularly hit by the recently reported JLR cyber-attack.
Today's Schedule
- 9.30am: The National Health Service issues its monthly data
- Today: The Health Secretary is visiting the Liverpool area
- Morning: Rachel Reeves makes comments to the media
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds its regular media briefing
- Today: Keir Starmer highlights government plans for the Britain's first small modular reactor plant at Wylfa on the island of Anglesey
