Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Encourages the Labour Party to Look Ahead Following Starmer Offers Apology to Wes Streeting for Hostile Backgrounding
High-ranking Labour figure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has urged the party to move beyond internal disputes after leader Sir Keir Starmer directly expressed regret to health minister Wes Streeting MP over damaging media stories originating from Downing Street.
Key Updates
- Ed Miliband confirms the Prime Minister will dismiss the No 10 staffer responsible for briefing against Wes Streeting if found
- Miliband rules out future leadership aspirations, declaring his past time as leader was the "most effective vaccine" against wanting the position again
- British economic growth increased by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, affected by the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack
Context
The political controversy started after allegations circulated about hostile background comments from the Prime Minister's supporters targeting Streeting. Although initial attempts to minimize the situation, the conversation between the PM and the health minister reportedly took a more serious turn.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Wes Streeting, reporters have been told. The exchange was brief, and they did not address the chief of staff, whom the PM is now under increasing scrutiny to dismiss.
Miliband's Reaction
In his morning media appearances, Ed Miliband highlighted the need for the party to focus on national priorities rather than party disputes.
Look, I think the briefing has been damaging, without doubt.
But my advice to the Labour members now is quite simple, which is we need to prioritize the public, not ourselves.
We were given a major mandate last summer, a important chance to transform our country. And we have a historic responsibility.
Growth News
Separately, government statistics revealed the British economic performance increased by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, with the manufacturing industry particularly affected by the recent Jaguar Land Rover hack.
Today's Schedule
- Morning: NHS England releases its latest performance figures
- Morning: Wes Streeting is visiting Liverpool
- Today: The Chancellor speaks to the journalists
- 11.30am: Downing Street conducts its daily media briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister promotes government plans for the Britain's first small modular reactor project at Wylfa site on Anglesey
