Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Urges the Labour Party to Focus Forward After Starmer Says Sorry to Streeting for Negative Media Leaks
Senior Labour figure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has demanded the party to leave behind internal tensions after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer directly said sorry to Health Secretary Wes Streeting over hostile media stories coming from the Prime Minister's office.
Major Updates
- Miliband states Starmer will fire the Downing Street staffer responsible for briefing against Wes Streeting if discovered
- The Energy Secretary rules out any leadership aspirations, saying his previous time as leader was the "most effective protection" against desiring the position again
- UK economy expanded by just 0.1% in the July-September period, impacted by the JLR cyber-attack
Context
The internal controversy began after allegations circulated about critical background comments from Starmer's supporters targeting Streeting. Although early efforts to dismiss the incident, the talk between Starmer and Streeting according to sources followed a different turn.
The Prime Minister apologised to Streeting, reporters have been advised. The exchange was short, and they did not talk about Morgan McSweeney, whom the PM is now under increasing scrutiny to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Response
In his early morning broadcast appearances, Ed Miliband stressed the need for the party to concentrate on country-wide priorities rather than party disputes.
Clearly, I think the backgrounding has been damaging, no question.
But my message to the party now is quite simple, which is we need to focus on the nation, not ourselves.
We were given a major election win last summer, a major chance to improve our country. And we have a serious responsibility.
Economic News
Separately, official data indicated the UK economic performance grew by just 0.1% in the July-September period, with the industrial industry particularly impacted by the recently reported JLR security incident.
Today's Schedule
- Morning: The National Health Service issues its monthly statistics
- Today: The Health Secretary is visiting the Liverpool area
- Today: Rachel Reeves speaks to the media
- 11.30am: Number 10 holds its regular media briefing
- Morning: Keir Starmer announces government plans for the UK's first nuclear power project at Wylfa on Anglesey
