Ed Miliband Calls on Labour to Look Ahead After Keir Starmer Offers Apology to Streeting for Negative Backgrounding
High-ranking Labour figure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has urged the party to put aside internal disputes after leader Keir Starmer personally said sorry to health minister Wes Streeting over negative media stories originating from the Prime Minister's office.
Key Developments
- Miliband declares the Prime Minister will dismiss the No 10 source responsible for briefing against Wes Streeting if found
- The Energy Secretary rules out any party leader aspirations, stating his previous experience as Labour leader was the "best vaccine" against desiring the position again
- UK economy expanded by just 0.1% in the July-September period, impacted by the Jaguar Land Rover security breach
Situation
The internal unrest started after allegations circulated about negative background comments from Starmer's supporters targeting Streeting. Despite initial efforts to dismiss the situation, the discussion between Starmer and Streeting according to sources followed a more serious turn.
The Prime Minister said sorry to Wes Streeting, the media have been advised. The exchange was concise, and they did not address the chief of staff, whom Starmer is now under pressure to sack.
Miliband's Reaction
In his early morning broadcast interviews, Miliband stressed the need for the party to concentrate on national priorities rather than internal disputes.
Look, I think the backgrounding has been damaging, without doubt.
But my advice to the party today is straightforward, which is we need to concentrate on the country, not ourselves.
We were given a significant victory last July, a important opportunity to improve our country. And we have a serious duty.
Growth News
Meanwhile, official figures indicated the UK economic performance grew by just 0.1% in the third quarter, with the manufacturing industry particularly hit by the recently reported JLR cyber-attack.
Today's Schedule
- Morning: The National Health Service releases its monthly performance figures
- Today: Wes Streeting is visiting Liverpool
- Morning: Rachel Reeves speaks to the media
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds its regular media briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister promotes government plans for the UK's pioneering nuclear power project at Wylfa site on the island of Anglesey
