Ed Miliband has been appointed as Britain's new Foreign Secretary by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a decision that may strain relations with the United States given Miliband's history of harsh criticism of President Donald Trump. Miliband, who previously served as Net Zero chief, follows in the footsteps of his brother David Miliband, who held the same post under Gordon Brown.
Miliband's Past Remarks on Trump
Miliband has not held back in his views about Trump. He once called the President a "racist, misogynistic self-confessed groper" and in 2016 urged the world to "resist the worst of Trumpism." In an essay, he said Trump heralded "dark days for America and the world," adding "there can be little solace right now." In 2018, he stated that Trump had "lowered the bar for idiocy," and in 2023 branded a "Trump-style climate culture war" as "not what the British people want."
Miliband's Vision for the Foreign Office
In a statement, Miliband said the Foreign Office will be "at the forefront of issues which pose profound and substantial threats to justice and equality in Britain and across the world." He emphasized his personal history, noting that his parents came to Britain as Jewish refugees from the Nazis. "To them, Britain was both a sanctuary and a beacon of hope in the global fight against fascism. I will carry my parents’ faith in that spirit of Britain to my role representing our country," he said.
He pledged to maintain close ties with both the EU and the United States, uphold Britain’s commitments to NATO and the United Nations, tackle the climate crisis, strengthen partnerships for international development, and reform international institutions to deliver for all countries, including the world’s poorest people.
Poll: Will He Succeed?
Express readers are now asked to vote on whether they believe Miliband will do a good job as Foreign Secretary. The appointment has already sparked controversy, with critics questioning his ability to work with the Trump administration given his past statements.
