Former Foreign Secretary David Miliband has publicly endorsed the concepts of devolution and electoral reform, in a speech that has fueled speculation about a potential return to front-line politics.
Miliband, speaking at the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Annual Memorial Lecture, called for a significant shift of power away from Westminster, advocating for the devolution of authority to local communities. He stated the need to "take on the concentration of the UK's economic and political power in Westminster." This stance aligns with the anticipated policies of incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has proposed initiatives such as a "No10 North" to decentralize governmental functions.
"The commitment last week by Andy Burnham that he intends to give meaningful power to those who know and serve their communities, to invest in those communities, suggests we are on the verge of big change, and it is long overdue," Miliband said. He added that devolving power to encourage regional development would create a "healthy" countervailing force within Britain.
During his address, Miliband also raised concerns about the current state of democratic representation, noting that a small percentage of Members of Parliament were elected with a substantial portion of the vote in the 2024 general election. He expressed support for electoral reform, suggesting an alternative vote system to ensure MPs possess a stronger mandate from their constituents. These views echo Burnham's own stated desire to introduce proportional representation into Labour's future manifesto.
Miliband, who has been living in the U.S. and serving as president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee since 2013, traveled to London for the speech. His remarks come as speculation intensifies regarding the composition of Burnham's prospective cabinet, with some reports suggesting Miliband could be considered for the Foreign Secretary role.
In his wide-ranging speech, Miliband also touched upon global challenges, warning of "unchecked power, democratic backsliding and the erosion of the rule of law." He advocated for increased regulation of artificial intelligence and a crackdown on online disinformation, stating, "We need to 'stop the bots' not just 'stop the boats.'"
He also defended the role of trade unions, describing them as essential for both preventing employer misconduct and fostering civic engagement. His remarks on international affairs, including criticism of aspects of life in the U.S., have been noted in the context of potential foreign policy roles. Miliband left the UK after a leadership contest for the Labour Party against his brother, Ed Miliband, who is reportedly being considered for Chancellor in Burnham's government.