Considered the architect of the UK’s net-zero program, he has faced criticism over his energy record and lack of conventional diplomatic experience
Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has appointed former Labour leader and ‘net-zero’ architect Ed Miliband as foreign secretary despite concerns over his past record and lack of conventional diplomatic experience.
Burnham made the announcement after formally taking office on Monday. He replaced Keir Starmer, who resigned following falling public support, heavy Labour losses in local elections, and a series of scandals within his government.
Miliband, 56, previously served as Starmer’s energy secretary from 2024 and was one of the former prime minister’s most prominent cabinet members. He was widely regarded as the mastermind of the controversial ‘net-zero’ program to completely decarbonize electricity generation in the UK by 2030. He previously led Labour between 2010 and 2015 but resigned after the party lost that year’s general election.
His appointment as foreign secretary, however, has revived criticism of Miliband’s record as energy secretary. Conservatives, Reform UK, trade unions, and sections of the British media have accused him of worsening Britain’s energy crisis through his efforts to accelerate the transition to renewable power and opposition to new North Sea drilling.
Trade unions have also criticized his restrictions on oil and gas development, warning that they threaten jobs and industrial communities. British businesses currently pay energy prices around 45% above the G7 median, according to the Confederation of British Industry.
Miliband has dismissed the accusations, claiming that volatile international gas prices and Britain’s dependence on imported fossil fuels are responsible for rising bills. He has insisted that further expanding renewable power would eventually make energy cheaper.
Critics have also highlighted the fact that Miliband has never held a diplomatic, defense, or national security position. His supporters, on the other hand, argue that his involvement in international climate negotiations has given him the necessary experience.
The Telegraph has reported that the White House is also “deeply concerned” about his appointment, particularly due to his role in defeating a 2013 proposal for British military action in Syria. He had also reportedly encouraged Starmer to deny US access to British bases in the early stages of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
In his first statement as foreign secretary, Miliband promised to defend British interests, strengthen the country’s alliances, seek an end to the Iran conflict, and pursue peace between Israel and Palestine.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Burnham has promised an “era of hope” and “renewal” for the UK. However, hе has so far largely retained Starmer-era foreign policy points, pledging continued support for Ukraine, NATO, closer military cooperation with the EU, and increased defense spending despite the country’s escalating cost-of-living crisis, weakening public services, and rising unemployment.
Despite promising a harder line on Israel, it also remains unclear how tough Burnham will really be, given that he and 11 of 22 cabinet members in his newly formed government are members of the Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) lobby group, which promotes Israeli interests in the UK.
