Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Encourages Labour to Look Ahead Following Starmer Apologises to Streeting for Hostile Backgrounding
Senior Labour official Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has demanded the party to put aside internal tensions after leader Sir Keir Starmer directly expressed regret to health minister Wes Streeting over hostile leaked comments coming from Number 10.
Major Developments
- Ed Miliband declares the Prime Minister will dismiss the Downing Street official responsible for briefing against Streeting if discovered
- The Energy Secretary rejects any leadership ambitions, declaring his previous experience as Labour leader was the "strongest protection" against desiring the position again
- UK economy increased by just 0.1% in the third quarter, impacted by the Jaguar Land Rover hack
Background
The political turmoil started after media stories emerged about negative background comments from Starmer's allies targeting the Health Secretary. Despite early attempts to dismiss the matter, the conversation between the PM and Streeting according to sources followed a more serious turn.
Starmer expressed regret to Wes Streeting, reporters have been advised. The exchange was concise, and they did not talk about Morgan McSweeney, whom the PM is now under increasing scrutiny to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Response
In his morning broadcast appearances, Miliband highlighted the need for the party to concentrate on country-wide priorities rather than internal disputes.
Clearly, I think the backgrounding has been damaging, without doubt.
But my advice to the party now is quite simple, which is we need to focus on the nation, not ourselves.
We were given a major mandate last July, a major chance to change our nation. And we have a serious duty.
Growth News
Separately, government data revealed the British economic performance expanded by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, with the manufacturing industry especially impacted by the recent JLR hack.
Today's Agenda
- Morning: NHS England publishes its latest performance figures
- Morning: The Health Secretary is visiting the Liverpool area
- Morning: The Chancellor makes comments to the press
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds its regular lobby briefing
- Morning: The Prime Minister promotes plans for the UK's pioneering small modular reactor facility at Wylfa site on the island of Anglesey
