Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Calls on the Labour Party to Focus Forward Following Starmer Says Sorry to Wes Streeting for Aggressive Backgrounding
Senior Labour Party figure Ed Miliband has demanded the party to leave behind internal tensions after leader Keir Starmer directly apologised to Health Secretary Wes Streeting over damaging leaked comments linked to Downing Street.
Important Events
- Miliband states the Prime Minister will dismiss the No 10 staffer behind for attacking Wes Streeting if found
- The Energy Secretary rules out any party leader plans, stating his previous time as leader was the "best inoculation" against desiring the role again
- UK economic growth grew by just 0.1% in the July-September period, impacted by the JLR security breach
Context
The political unrest started after allegations emerged about critical background comments from Starmer's supporters targeting Streeting. Despite early attempts to downplay the incident, the discussion between the PM and the health minister apparently followed a more serious direction.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Wes Streeting, reporters have been told. The conversation was concise, and they did not address the chief of staff, whom the PM is now under pressure to sack.
Miliband's Statement
In his early morning media appearances, Miliband emphasized the need for the Labour Party to direct attention on national issues rather than internal divisions.
Look, I think the media briefing has been unhelpful, no question.
But my call to the party today is clear, which is we need to focus on the public, not each other.
We were given a major election win last summer, a major chance to change our country. And we have a historic duty.
Growth Update
Separately, government figures indicated the British economy expanded by just 0.1% in the July-September period, with the industrial sector particularly impacted by the recently reported Jaguar Land Rover security incident.
Today's Schedule
- 9.30am: The National Health Service releases its latest performance figures
- Today: The Health Secretary is visiting the Liverpool area
- Morning: Rachel Reeves makes comments to the press
- 11.30am: Number 10 conducts its daily lobby briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister announces plans for the Britain's pioneering small modular reactor facility at Wylfa on the island of Anglesey