Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has strongly criticized the appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, asserting that the move will be welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin. Johnson warned that Miliband's past actions, particularly his stance on military intervention in Syria in 2013, emboldened Putin, directly contributing to the invasion of Ukraine.
Johnson described Miliband's selection by new leader Andy Burnham as an "appalling choice." He pointed to Miliband's role as Labour leader when he directed his MPs to vote against former Prime Minister David Cameron's proposal to join the United States in destroying Syrian chemical weapon stockpiles in 2013. At the time, at least 1,400 civilians were killed by chemical weapons, and Britain's abstention reportedly derailed the U.S. plan.
The former Prime Minister stated on X (formerly Twitter) that "The failure to stand up to Assad – for which Miliband bears much guilt – led directly to Putin's first invasion of Ukraine." He added, "An appalling choice for foreign secretary. The Kremlin will be delighted."
Miliband's past opposition to intervention in Syria has drawn criticism from within his own party. Wes Streeting, now Defence Secretary, commented two years ago that "the hesitation of this country and the United States created a vacuum that Russia moved into and kept Assad in power for much longer." Streeting later clarified he was pointing out "the challenges of hindsight."
Charles Lister, a Middle East expert in Washington, noted that Miliband's influence in blocking a UK and consequently U.S. response to chemical weapons use in Syria had significant global repercussions, including spurring Russia's invasion of Ukraine, triggering the Syrian refugee crisis, and fueling far-right populism.
Concerns have also been voiced by individuals associated with the Trump administration. A senior Trump administration official reportedly predicted that Miliband would create "friction" in UK-U.S. relations due to his focus on net-zero policies. Steve Bannon, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, claimed the Trump administration had warned Burnham that appointing Miliband would be "very injurious to the 'special relationship.'"
Another senior Trump official described Miliband's appointment as "inauspicious," though they expressed relief he was not appointed Chancellor. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized Miliband's past remarks about President Trump, stating, "It is little wonder the White House is already said to be concerned. On his very first day Ed Miliband has made the special relationship harder to manage, not stronger."
Emerging from Downing Street, Miliband stated he would carry the "spirit" of his parents, who fled Nazi persecution, into his new role. He pledged to defend "values of democracy, the rule of law and freedom" in a world facing threats. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) affirmed that the Foreign Secretary's mandate is to defend Britain's interests and values, noting that Miliband had already spoken with his Ukrainian counterpart and traveled to Manila to meet allies.
Miliband also led opposition to the use of UK bases for U.S. bombers, which Keir Starmer reportedly used to block a U.S. request to use Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands during the war against Iran.