Ed Miliband, the new Foreign Secretary, is preparing a distinct agenda that will focus on relations with the EU, Britain's chairing of the G20 next year, and the climate crisis. Allies state that suggestions of resentment over not becoming Chancellor misunderstand his focus on policy challenges, with one ally saying he has "an immense appetite to get things done and is relishing being in this job."
Miliband intends to be closely involved in talks on the UK’s relations with the EU, considering a successful solution to this relationship as the single biggest question facing the UK. His personal involvement is expected to give the Foreign Office greater influence in the Europe debate compared to when the Cabinet Office solely handled negotiations under Keir Starmer's leadership.
The UK is due to chair a postponed illicit finance summit in December, ahead of taking over the G20. Ideas such as a global wealth tax and greater transparency in overseas financial holdings are being promoted. Friends also indicated Miliband's desire to revive the G20, an economic multilateral body whose influence has reportedly declined since 2008.
Miliband is also determined to contribute to debates about shaping the future international order. He arrives in the role as the tenth foreign secretary since 2014, without a Foreign Office permanent secretary following the sacking of Olly Robbins, and with some staff on a rolling strike over announced job cuts.