Ed Miliband indicates development and climate will be at heart of UK foreign policy

Exclusive: Foreign secretary to take up World Bank seat and play active role in shaping changes to global lender Britain’s foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, is to indicate he will put the climate crisis and overseas development at the heart of UK international relations by taking up the country’s seat on the board at the World Bank. The position, which is usually delegated to a junior minister, means Miliband will play an active role in shaping the changes to the World Bank that developing countries have called for, and ensuring the climate remains a core focus for overseas aid. Miliband, who was energy and net zero secretary under Keir Starmer, will say: “International development is not an add-on to British foreign policy – it is central to it. By taking on the role of UK governor to the World Bank, I want to send an unambiguous signal that this government is serious about its global leadership on development and climate.” His announcement comes as fires continue to devastate swathes of France and Spain, and after Scotland called for military aid to tackle a blaze that engulfed the Cairngorms. Conditions approaching drought across England and parts of Wales have prompted hosepipe b