THE White House are reportedly “deeply concerned” over Andy Burnham's decision to appoint Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary.
The former Labour leader was widely rumoured to be the next chancellor but was given this new role as Burnham made changes to his Cabinet on Monday.
In a statement afterwards, Miliband promised to maintain close ties with both the EU and the United States, as well as upholding Britain’s commitments to Nato and the United Nations.
He added: “The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) I lead will also be at the forefront of issues which pose profound and substantial threats to justice and equality in Britain and across the world.
“We will work with others on tackling the climate crisis, strengthening our partnerships for international development, and reforming our international institutions so they deliver for all countries, including the world’s poorest people.”
But his appointment – according to The Telegraph – has ruffled some feathers at the White House, with a senior source telling the newspaper that Miliband would be a “point of friction” in the transatlantic relationship because of his support for green energy projects that Donald Trump has criticised.
There have reportedly been previous private warnings from the US president’s team that they would find it difficult to work with Miliband.
Meanwhile, The Sun have also reported that a senior Trump administration official was “scathing” about the appointment.
It comes after Burnham and Trump had their first call yesterday after the former was formally made Prime Minister.
Posting to Truth Social afterward, Trump wrote: “I had a very good conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham. We discussed many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK. We will be meeting in the not too distant future for topics of mutual interest.”
He added: “The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help! We discussed North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics. The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
In the statement afterwards, Miliband went on to add that the Foreign Office will be “at the forefront of issues which pose profound and substantial threats to justice and equality in Britain and across the world” under his stewardship.
“It is a great honour and privilege to have been appointed by the Prime Minister to serve as Foreign Secretary,” he said.
“My parents came to Britain as Jewish refugees from the Nazis. 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.
“I will be a Foreign Secretary who fights for Britain’s interests and our values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law on the world stage.”
