“Ed Miliband takes on the role of Foreign Secretary at a defining moment for Britain and the world. Across the globe, crises are deepening. From the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Sudan, communities are facing infectious disease, conflict, hunger and climate shocks, with millions trapped in prolonged emergencies that rarely make the headlines but continue to destroy lives.
“These crises are not inevitable. They are often the result of political choices and a failure of leadership.
“Last week’s announcement of cuts of up to 90% to UK aid in parts of Africa risks taking a wrecking ball to Britain’s global leadership. It will not make the UK safer, and it will not reduce inequality at home or abroad. You don’t build security by walking away from insecurity.
“This is a real moment to be better. Restoring the aid budget to 0.7% of GNI must be central to rebuilding Britain’s global leadership.
“Ed Miliband has long championed urgent action on climate change. As Foreign Secretary, he now has the opportunity to ensure Britain’s climate leadership reaches communities on the frontline, restoring climate finance, supporting adaptation and standing with those losing homes, crops and livelihoods to a crisis they did little to cause.
“Leadership also means taking action on Palestine, words of concern or regret are not enough. The UK must use its influence to help end Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza, including ending arms sales to Israel and banning trade which supports illegal settlements.
“The British public understands that compassion is not a zero-sum choice. Supporting people at home and standing with people facing famine, conflict and disaster overseas are shared values.
“With the UK’s G20 presidency ahead, Britain has a chance to show that leadership means responsibility: bringing countries together, tackling shared challenges and building a fairer, safer future.
“As Andy Burnham has said, this is a moment to put the care of people at the heart of everything we do, to pull together and build a new sense of common purpose. That is the leadership this moment demands.”
