Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has been pictured looking awkward during his first foreign trip to Spain and France since being appointed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The images show him hovering over two young ex-pats in Madrid, wearing a formal suit while they are dressed in summer holiday attire. Another photo captures him giving a large thumbs up to a boy in an England shirt with Bellingham on the back, with plates of food on the table.
Awkward Encounters
Miliband also posed for a selfie with two British holidaymakers before heading off to meet Spanish officials. The awkward interactions have drawn comparisons to an "out-of-touch uncle" online.
Joint Statement on Climate Crisis
Hours later, a joint statement between Miliband and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, H. E. José Manuel Albares Bueno, addressed the wildfires raging in Europe. The statement said: "This summer's wildfires demonstrated that climate change was now a national security emergency facing Europe and threatening our way of life."
The joint statement continued: "Both parties recognise that climate change is a global challenge that must be addressed through effective multilateralism and respect for International Law. In this regard, both Ministers reaffirm their support for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and express the need to work towards the fulfilment of the international commitments contained in the Paris Agreement."
It also emphasised: "The two Ministers emphasise the importance of adopting the necessary measures to drastically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, strengthening cooperation on clean energy and supporting countries of the Global South in their energy transition."
The two ministers agreed on the need to mobilise sustainable financing and promote investment frameworks that facilitate sustainable finance, innovation and competitiveness, recognising the role of international financial institutions in supporting climate action.
