Ed Miliband Calls on Labour to Move On After Keir Starmer Apologises to Wes Streeting for Aggressive Backgrounding
High-ranking Labour Party figure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has called for the party to put aside party conflicts after PM Sir Keir Starmer personally expressed regret to health minister Wes Streeting MP over negative briefings coming from the Prime Minister's office.
Key Developments
- Miliband declares Starmer will dismiss the No 10 official behind for attacking Streeting if identified
- Miliband rules out future party leader plans, declaring his past time as leader was the "strongest inoculation" against seeking the role again
- British economy grew by just 0.1% in the third quarter, impacted by the Jaguar Land Rover security breach
Background
The political turmoil began after reports emerged about hostile briefings from Starmer's team targeting the Health Secretary. Although early attempts to minimize the situation, the discussion between the PM and the health minister reportedly took a different turn.
The Prime Minister said sorry to Streeting, journalists have been told. The exchange was concise, and they did not discuss the chief of staff, whom the PM is now under growing pressure to sack.
Miliband's Reaction
In his morning broadcast appearances, Ed Miliband stressed the need for the party to focus on national matters rather than internal divisions.
Look, I think the briefing has been damaging, no question.
But my message to the Labour members now is straightforward, which is we need to concentrate on the nation, not each other.
We were given a significant victory last July, a important chance to improve our nation. And we have a major responsibility.
Growth Update
Meanwhile, official figures indicated the UK economy increased by just 0.1 percent in the July-September period, with the industrial industry especially hit by the recently reported Jaguar Land Rover hack.
The Day's Agenda
- 9.30am: NHS England issues its monthly data
- Morning: Wes Streeting visits the Liverpool area
- Morning: The Chancellor speaks to the journalists
- 11.30am: Number 10 holds its daily lobby briefing
- Today: The Prime Minister announces government plans for the Britain's pioneering small modular reactor facility at Wylfa on Anglesey