Ed Miliband has apologised to Labour MPs after he posed for a picture with The Sun newspaper.
Back home now. I've seen the twitter feed & understand the outpouring of anger. Met with the Leader/MPs earlier who listened to our concerns
Ed will make a statement on the matter. He never meant any offence, but in my opinion it shouldn't have happened in the first place.
The Sun newspaper is particularly controversial in Liverpool as a result of its coverage of the Hillsborough tragedy.
The picture also provoked outcry from Labour supporters around the country.
The early stages of Miliband's leadership were characterised by a willingness to criticise Murdoch-owned media titles, including The Sun.
Miliband is understood to have defended his decision on the basis that he was showing support for the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
UPDATE: Ed Miliband's office has issued a statement: "Ed Miliband was promoting England's bid to win the World Cup and is proud to do so. But he understands the anger that is felt towards The Sun over Hillsborough by many people in Merseyside and he is sorry to those who feel offended."
This is the original tweet that provoked the criticism:
This Is Our England: Labour leader @Ed_Miliband backs today's special edition. #DoUsProud