Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband ignored questions about his past criticism of Donald Trump as he met US counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington. He declined to respond to shouts from reporters asking if he still viewed the president as an “idiot, a racist and a misogynist”.
Talks Focus on Global Issues
Miliband was invited by Rubio after their first meeting in the Philippines last month. They discussed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Ukraine war, and the situation in Gaza. Smiling as he shook hands, Miliband said: “We are looking forward to our meeting.”
White House Concerns
The White House reportedly had concerns about Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint Miliband as Foreign Secretary. Miliband, a champion of net zero and renewables, contrasts with Trump’s support for fossil fuels. Washington’s ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens, said Miliband was “wrong” in 2016 to call Trump “a racist, misogynistic, self-confessed groper” and hoped his views had changed.
Miliband’s Statement
Before the talks, Miliband said: “The Government is committed to nurturing our strong, enduring and essential alliance with the US.” He added he looked forward to discussing the Strait of Hormuz and securing a lasting ceasefire to ease cost-of-living pressures. He also stressed standing with Ukraine and addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Post-Meeting Remarks
US state department spokesman Tommy Pigott said after the meeting: “The two discussed the importance of Europe taking on a greater role in its own security. They reiterated their shared commitment to safe transit in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran never develops or obtains a nuclear weapon.” Miliband also planned to meet World Bank president Ajay Banga to discuss development and climate change.
