Ed Miliband Encourages Labour to Look Ahead Following Keir Starmer Apologises to Streeting for Hostile Briefings
Senior Labour official Ed Miliband has called for the party to leave behind party conflicts after PM Sir Keir Starmer directly expressed regret to health minister Wes Streeting over hostile media stories originating from Number 10.
Key Developments
- Ed Miliband states Starmer will fire the Downing Street official responsible for briefing against Streeting if found
- Miliband dismisses future party leader ambitions, declaring his previous experience as leader was the "best protection" against wanting the role again
- UK economic growth expanded by just 0.1% in the July-September period, hit by the JLR hack
Background
The political turmoil started after media stories circulated about hostile briefings from the Prime Minister's supporters targeting Streeting. Despite early attempts to dismiss the situation, the discussion between Starmer and Streeting reportedly followed a more serious turn.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Wes Streeting, journalists have been told. The exchange was short, and they did not talk about the chief of staff, whom Starmer is now under pressure to sack.
The Energy Secretary's Response
In his early morning media appearances, Miliband stressed the need for the party to focus on national matters rather than internal disputes.
Clearly, I think the backgrounding has been bad, certainly.
But my advice to the party now is quite simple, which is we need to prioritize the public, not each other.
We were given a significant election win last summer, a major chance to change our nation. And we have a major obligation.
Economic News
Meanwhile, government data showed the British economic performance expanded by just 0.1% in the July-September period, with the manufacturing sector particularly impacted by the recent JLR hack.
Today's Schedule
- 9.30am: The National Health Service publishes its latest statistics
- Today: The Health Secretary visits the Liverpool area
- Today: The Chancellor speaks to the journalists
- Late morning: Downing Street conducts its regular media briefing
- Today: The Prime Minister announces government plans for the UK's first nuclear power project at Wylfa on the island of Anglesey
