Ed Miliband Urges Labour to Move On After Keir Starmer Offers Apology to Wes Streeting for Aggressive Briefings
Senior Labour figure Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has urged the party to put aside party tensions after leader Keir Starmer personally expressed regret to health minister Wes Streeting over hostile briefings linked to Number 10.
Major Events
- Ed Miliband declares the Prime Minister will fire the No 10 staffer behind for briefing against Streeting if identified
- The Energy Secretary rejects any leadership aspirations, declaring his previous experience as leader was the "best inoculation" against desiring the role again
- British economy increased by just 0.1% in the July-September period, affected by the JLR cyber-attack
Background
The internal controversy started after reports circulated about hostile background comments from the Prime Minister's supporters targeting Streeting. Despite initial efforts to downplay the matter, the talk between Starmer and the health minister according to sources followed a more serious turn.
The Prime Minister said sorry to Streeting, the media have been advised. The discussion was concise, and they did not discuss Morgan McSweeney, whom the PM is now under pressure to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Statement
In his early morning media interviews, Ed Miliband highlighted the need for the party to direct attention on national matters rather than party disputes.
Look, I think the media briefing has been unhelpful, certainly.
But my message to the Labour members now is clear, which is we need to concentrate on the country, not ourselves.
We were given a major mandate last summer, a major opportunity to change our nation. And we have a serious duty.
Growth Update
Separately, government statistics revealed the UK economy grew by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, with the production industry especially affected by the recently reported Jaguar Land Rover hack.
Today's Schedule
- Morning: The National Health Service issues its monthly data
- Today: The Health Secretary visits the Liverpool area
- Today: Rachel Reeves makes comments to the press
- 11.30am: Downing Street holds its daily lobby briefing
- Today: Keir Starmer announces government plans for the UK's pioneering small modular reactor facility at Wylfa site on Anglesey
