Britain’s new foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, has come under fire for pledging to defend international law while describing Russia’s war in Ukraine as “illegal” but referring only to “conflict in the Middle East”, without condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Miliband yesterday, replacing Yvette Cooper at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Miliband previously served as energy secretary under Keir Starmer’s government.
In a statement following his appointment, Miliband promised to defend Britain’s “values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law on the world stage”.
However, critics highlighted the striking difference in the language he used to describe Russia and Israel.
“From Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine to conflict in the Middle East,” Miliband stated, before promising to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine and work towards “a sustainable peace in Palestine and Israel”. His statement referred to the “terrible suffering” of Palestinians in Gaza but made no reference to genocide, occupation, Israeli war crimes or Britain’s role in arming and supporting Israel.
