Ed Miliband, the new UK foreign secretary, on Israel, Iraq, Syria and Iran

Ed Miliband, the new UK foreign secretary, on Israel, Iraq, Syria and Iran

Having initially been tipped for the role of chancellor, former Labour leader Ed Miliband has been appointed foreign secretary by Andy Burnham, the UK's new prime minister.

Accepting the role, Miliband said that it was an “honour and privilege” to take up the position. “My parents came to Britain as Jewish refugees from the Nazis,” he said. 

“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.”

The former energy minister said the world faced greater instability and graver threats to international law and democracy than at any time since the Second World War. 

Miliband said he would strengthen alliances with the European Union, and work closely with Nato and the UN, as well as partners in the global south. 

He stated that Britain would continue to stand with Ukraine "against Russia’s illegal invasion", look to end the conflict in Iran and re-open the Strait of Hormuz, and “seek a sustainable peace in Palestine and Israel”. 

A Labour MP for more than two decades, Miliband is not known as a foreign policy expert, but he has been outspoken on a number of international issues.

From opposing the war in Iraq, to voting against military action in Syria and supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state, Middle East Eye takes a look at Miliband’s past positions.

Read more: Ed Miliband, the new UK foreign secretary, on Israel, Iraq, Syria and Iran

Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband leaves 10 Downing Street in London on 20 July 2026 (AFP/Henry Nicholls) ...