Ed Miliband sidestepped questions about his previous criticism of Donald Trump as he met with his US counterpart in Washington. The Foreign Secretary was asked if he still considered the president "an idiot, a racist and a misogynist" ahead of talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He ignored the queries, replying: "We are looking forward to our meeting."
Focus on Key Issues
The pair were expected to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Ukraine, and the situation in Gaza. Ahead of the meeting, Mr Miliband stressed that ensuring free passage through the key shipping lane—blocked amid the Iran war, sending oil and gas prices soaring—is "essential to ease cost-of-living pressures on British families."
He said: "The Government is committed to nurturing our strong, enduring and essential alliance with the US. I am greatly looking forward to my second meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which we will discuss the ongoing work to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure a lasting ceasefire, which is essential to ease cost-of-living pressures on British families."
Background Tensions
Mr Miliband, a former Labour leader, has been a fierce critic of Mr Trump in the past. He also led Labour's net zero drive as energy secretary, while the Republican has repeatedly called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to open up the North Sea. The White House was reported to be concerned about Mr Burnham's decision to hand Mr Miliband the Foreign Office brief.
Mr Burnham has suggested he could back more oil and gas drilling in a shift in energy policy.
