Ed Miliband has hailed the UK and US as the “closest of allies” after holding talks with his counterpart in Washington, as he was again tackled over his past criticism of “racist” Donald Trump.
Warm meeting, but Rubio less effusive
The Foreign Secretary thanked Marco Rubio for a “warm, productive meeting” at the US State Department and highlighted the transatlantic ties between the two nations, including as Nato members.
For his part, Mr Rubio was notably less effusive in his report of the meeting, with no reference to the so-called “special relationship”, and simply referred to the topics covered in the discussions.
Ducking questions on Trump
Earlier, Mr Miliband had ignored questions about whether he still thought the president was an “idiot, a racist and a misogynist”.
Smiling as he shook hands with Mr Rubio, the Foreign Secretary ducked shouted inquiries by reporters about his previous strident views on Mr Trump, and said: “We are looking forward to our meeting.”
Background to the visit
Mr Miliband was invited to the US capital by Mr Rubio after their recent first meeting on the sidelines of a foreign ministers’ summit in the Philippines last month.
The pair were due to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Ukraine war and the situation in Gaza.
The dynamic between the two men was closely watched as the White House was also reported to be concerned about Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to hand Mr Miliband the Foreign Office brief.
In his previous role as energy secretary, Mr Miliband was a strong champion of net zero and renewables, while Mr Trump is a vocal supporter of fossil fuels, including opening up North Sea oil, and an avowed opponent of “windmills”.
Since arriving in Downing Street, Mr Burnham has signalled a shift in energy policy, earning praise from the Oval Office.
Washington’s ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens said recently that Mr Miliband had been “wrong” in 2016 to call Mr Trump “a racist, misogynistic, self-confessed groper” and that “hopefully his views have changed”.
He also pledged to work with Mr Miliband in his new role, despite their disagreement on green issues.
Miliband's statement after the meeting
In a statement after the meeting, Mr Miliband said: “Thank you to Secretary Marco Rubio for our warm, productive meeting in DC today.
“The UK and US are the closest of allies, bound by culture, history, and interests, including our shared commitment as Nato allies.
“We discussed the vital importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which is essential to protecting British families and businesses on the cost of living, this Government’s number one priority.”
The strategic sea route, which had been open before the US and Israel launched the war in February, has been a flashpoint in the Middle East conflict and disruption to trade has driven up fuel and food prices.
Mr Miliband added: “We also discussed standing together with Ukraine in the face of Putin’s war, and spoke about the intolerable situation in Gaza and the urgent need to address the humanitarian situation there, as we work towards a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.”
Rubio's account
Meanwhile, Mr Rubio posted pictures of himself with Mr Miliband on X and wrote: “In my meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, we discussed the need for Europe to take a greater role in its own security.
“We also reaffirmed our shared commitment to open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.”
Separately, after the announcement that Mr Miliband will take the UK’s seat on the World Bank board, he will also meet its president Ajay Banga during his visit to discuss development, climate change and strengthening global resilience.
