New Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is shifting the Foreign Office's focus toward climate change, international development, and closer ties with the European Union.
Key facts
- •Ed Miliband has appointed Hamish Falconer as the new Europe minister, a role that includes a seat in the Cabinet.
- •The U.K. government is seeking to reschedule a summit with the EU regarding trade and cooperation deals following the resignation of Keir Starmer.
- •Miliband recently held informal talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
- •The Foreign Office is moving to integrate Brexit-related negotiations back into its core diplomatic functions.
- •Miliband’s brother, David Miliband, previously served as foreign secretary from 2007 to 2010.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has begun reshaping the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with a focus on climate change and international development. Miliband, who recently visited Paris and Madrid for talks with his counterparts, intends to prioritize these issues alongside a broader effort to reconnect the U.K. with the European Union.
Prioritizing Climate and Development
Miliband secured a commitment from Prime Minister Andy Burnham to emphasize international development and climate change, areas he noted had been sidelined by previous governments. At an IPPR think tank event, Miliband stated he views himself as a politician rather than a chief diplomat, signaling a more active, policy-driven approach to the role.
Reconnecting with Europe
The Foreign Office is reclaiming responsibility for U.K.-EU relations, a portfolio previously managed by the Cabinet Office. To support this, Hamish Falconer has been appointed as Europe minister and minister for inter-governmental relations. Miliband is scheduled to attend an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in September, and the government aims to reschedule a postponed summit on trade and cooperation deals for later this year.
Seeking Diplomatic Counsel
To navigate his new role, Miliband has consulted with Ed Llewelyn, a former U.K. ambassador to Rome and advisor to David Cameron. Miliband has also indicated he may meet with Cameron, his predecessor in the role, for further advice on managing the Foreign Office.
Timeline
- 2007-2010David Miliband served as the U.K. foreign secretary.
- 2013David Miliband became president of the International Rescue Committee.
- July 20, 2026Hamish Falconer arrived at Downing Street.
- July 22A scheduled U.K.-EU summit was postponed following the resignation of Keir Starmer.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Politico Europe.
