Ed Miliband was confronted over his past remarks branding Donald Trump “racist” as he held talks in Washington with his US counterpart Marco Rubio.
The Foreign Secretary dodged questions over whether he still considered the president to be an “idiot, a racist and a misogynist” as he sat down with America’s top diplomat.
Mr Miliband was extended an invitation to the US capital by Mr Rubio following their initial encounter on the fringes of a foreign ministers’ summit in the Philippines last month.
The two were expected to discuss ongoing efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Ukraine and the deteriorating situation in Gaza.
Grinning as he shook hands with Mr Rubio at the US State Department, Mr Miliband brushed aside reporters’ shouted questions regarding his previously outspoken views on Mr Trump, remarking simply: “We are looking forward to our meeting.”
The relationship between the two men will be scrutinised closely, as the White House was also said to harbour reservations about Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to hand Mr Miliband the Foreign Office brief.
During his previous tenure as energy secretary, Mr Miliband was a fierce advocate of net zero and renewable energy, while Mr Trump remains a vocal champion of fossil fuels, including the opening up of North Sea oil, and a staunch opponent of “windmills”.
Since taking up residence in Downing Street, Mr Burnham has indicated a change in direction on energy policy, drawing warm words from the Oval Office. Washington’s ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens, recently stated that Mr Miliband had been “wrong” in 2016 to describe Mr Trump as “a racist, misogynistic, self-confessed groper”, adding that “hopefully his views have changed”.
He also vowed to collaborate with Mr Miliband in his new role, despite their differences over green issues.
In a statement following the meeting, Mr Miliband expressed gratitude to Mr Rubio for a “warm, productive meeting”.
He said: “The UK and US are the closest of allies, bound by culture, history and interests, including our shared commitment as Nato allies.
“We discussed the vital importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which is essential to protecting British families and businesses on the cost of living, this Government’s number one priority.”
The strategically significant sea route, which had been open prior to the US and Israel launching the war in February, has been a major flashpoint in the Middle East conflict, with disruption to trade pushing up fuel and food prices.
Mr Miliband added: “We also discussed standing together with Ukraine in the face of Putin’s war, and spoke about the intolerable situation in Gaza and the urgent need to address the humanitarian situation there, as we work towards a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.”
Earlier, Mr Rubio shared photographs of himself alongside Mr Miliband on X, writing: “In my meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, we discussed the need for Europe to take a greater role in its own security.
“We also reaffirmed our shared commitment to open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.”
Meanwhile, following the confirmation that Mr Miliband will occupy the UK’s position on the World Bank board, he is also set to meet its president Ajay Banga during his trip to discuss development, climate change and bolstering global resilience.