Ed Miliband Urges Labour to Focus Forward Following Keir Starmer Offers Apology to Streeting for Aggressive Media Leaks
Senior Labour Party official Ed Miliband has called for the party to put aside party tensions after leader Sir Keir Starmer personally said sorry to Health Secretary Wes Streeting over damaging leaked comments originating from the Prime Minister's office.
Key Updates
- Ed Miliband declares the Prime Minister will dismiss the Downing Street staffer responsible for briefing against Streeting if found
- The Energy Secretary rules out any party leader plans, stating his previous time as leader was the "best protection" against wanting the position again
- UK economy expanded by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, hit by the JLR cyber-attack
Context
The internal turmoil started after reports emerged about negative background comments from the Prime Minister's team targeting Streeting. Despite early attempts to dismiss the situation, the discussion between the PM and Streeting according to sources followed a more serious turn.
The Prime Minister expressed regret to Streeting, journalists have been advised. The discussion was short, and they did not talk about the chief of staff, whom the PM is now under growing pressure to dismiss.
The Energy Secretary's Response
In his early morning broadcast appearances, Ed Miliband emphasized the need for the Labour Party to focus on national issues rather than party disputes.
Look, I think the media briefing has been unhelpful, no question.
But my message to the party today is straightforward, which is we need to concentrate on the country, not our internal matters.
We were given a major victory last summer, a important opportunity to transform our nation. And we have a serious responsibility.
Economic Update
In other news, official statistics revealed the UK economic performance expanded by just 0.1 percent in the third quarter, with the manufacturing sector especially affected by the recently reported JLR hack.
The Day's Schedule
- 9.30am: The National Health Service publishes its latest statistics
- Today: Wes Streeting visits Liverpool
- Morning: The Chancellor speaks to the journalists
- Late morning: Downing Street holds its daily lobby briefing
- Today: The Prime Minister promotes plans for the Britain's pioneering nuclear power project at Wylfa on Anglesey
