𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Ed Miliband dodged questions on his past criticism of Donald Trump as he attended a meeting with his US counterpart. The Foreign Secretary was asked if he still thought the US president was “an idiot, a racist and a misogynist” as he met Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.

The senior Labour politician ignored the questions and replied: “We are looking forward to our meeting.” The pair were expected to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Miliband insisted that ensuring free passage through the key shipping lane – which has been blocked amid the Iran war, sending oil and gas prices soaring – is “essential to ease cost-of-living pressures on British families”.

He said: “The Government is committed to nurturing our strong, enduring and essential alliance with the US.

“I am greatly looking forward to my second meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which we will discuss the ongoing work to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure a lasting ceasefire, which is essential to ease cost-of-living pressures on British families.

“We will also discuss how we can continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine against Russia’s war – as well as the importance of addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and working towards a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.”

The White House was reported to be concerned about Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to hand Mr Miliband the Foreign Office brief.

The former Labour leader has been a fierce critic of Mr Trump in the past.

He also led Labour’s net zero drive in his previous role as energy secretary, while the Republican has repeatedly called on Sir Keir Starmer and his successor Mr Burnham to open up the North Sea.

But Mr Burnham has suggested he could back more oil and gas drilling in a shift in energy policy.