Ed Miliband has been appointed as Britain's new Foreign Secretary, a role that will require him to manage the United Kingdom's relationship with the United States. The appointment comes despite Miliband's past public criticisms of former President Donald Trump, whom he branded a "racist and misogynist" in 2018. His new position under Prime Minister Andy Burnham is tasked with mending what the notes describe as Britain's "fraying 'Special Relationship' with the US."
In a 2018 interview, Miliband also accused Trump of having a "peculiar relationship with Russia" and condemned his "very scary authoritarian tendencies," stating he would join protests against Trump's visits to Britain. The prospect of Miliband leading diplomatic efforts with the Trump administration has raised concerns about potential complications for transatlantic relations.
Foreign Policy Stance
Miliband's past foreign policy decisions have also drawn attention. As Labour leader in 2013, he instructed Labour MPs to vote against then-Prime Minister David Cameron's proposal for military action against Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. The government sought to take action following reports of Assad's use of chemical weapons. Miliband's stance contributed to the defeat of the motion in the House of Commons, which some have blamed for then-U.S. President Barack Obama withdrawing his plans for strikes against the Assad regime.
In 2024, following Assad's departure after rebel forces ended his rule, Miliband stated he did not regret the vote to block military action. He argued that a clear plan was necessary before committing British forces, drawing parallels to the aftermath of the Iraq War. He also pointed to later actions by Donald Trump in 2017 and 2018, bombing Assad's regime without leading to its end, as evidence that military intervention might not have been decisive.
Miliband's appointment to the Foreign Office follows his tenure as Energy Secretary. Some observers have suggested the Foreign Secretary role is a consolation prize, as he had been considered a contender for Chancellor.
Past Criticisms and Concerns
Concerns about Miliband's suitability for international diplomacy have also been voiced by political opponents. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has previously accused Miliband of making Britain "entirely reliant on China for our future energy supply," citing the use of Chinese-made solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries. The notes also mention private warnings from senior officials in Trump's administration about Miliband's potential appointment as Chancellor, citing concerns over his opposition to new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, an area where Trump has frequently criticized the UK government's fossil fuel policies.
Priti Patel, Conservative shadow foreign secretary, criticized Miliband's appointment, stating that Britain's standing has fallen and allies have been let down under the current Labour government. She accused Miliband of having "kowtowed to China" and failing to stand up for British interests in the Middle East, predicting continued "foreign policy humiliations."
Upon his appointment, Miliband stated that his department would focus on issues posing substantial threats to justice and equality globally. He pledged to champion Britain's interests and its values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, promising to maintain close ties with the EU and the US, and uphold commitments to NATO and the UN.