Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBoris Johnson criticised Ed Miliband's appointment as foreign secretary, claiming his alleged failure to intervene in Syria against Bashar al-Assad directly led to Vladimir Putin's first invasion of Ukraine and that the Kremlin would be "delighted" with the decision. It’s reported that Mr Miliband was appointed to the role by the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, due to his experience in international leadership and negotiating with nations during his time as energy secretary. Reports indicate that the White House is "deeply concerned" about Mr Miliband's appointment, with suggestions that Mr Trump's cabinet would find it challenging to work with him in an international capacity. Key points of contention include Mr Miliband's support for green energy projects and his reluctance to approve further North Sea oil and gas drilling, which contrasts with Mr Trump's strong backing for such initiatives. Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the appointment, insisting it would not negatively impact Britain's relationship with the US, despite Mr Miliband having previously called the US president a "racist, misogynistic, self-confessed groper". In fullBoris Johnson claims Ed Miliband is to blame for Putin’s invasion of UkraineMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

His promotion to Foreign Secretary under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham will see Mr Miliband charged with mending Britain's fraying 'Special Relationship' with the US.

Pivotal decision in 2013 to resist action against Assad regime's chemical killings was in Miliband's hands