Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has advocated for a stronger, deeper security and economic partnership between Great Britain and the European Union. Speaking at the Labour party conference in Liverpool on September 28, 2026, he framed closer European integration as the center of the government’s foreign policy. Miliband emphasized collective international alignment across climate, trade, and defense policy.
Miliband opened his speech by honoring protective services while referencing recent security events at RAF Fairford. “Let me start by echoing Wes’s words earlier, events at RAF Fairford yesterday are a reminder of the threats our country faces,” he said, noting that national defense requires strong international cooperation.
The Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude for the protective forces, stating, “I want to thank our security services, armed forces and police for the work they did yesterday and they do all year round to help keep our country safe.”
Framing Europe as Central to British Values and Defense
Declaring British citizens to be “proud Europeans,” Miliband insisted that the nation’s future security depends heavily on alignment with the European bloc. He highlighted ongoing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, positioning it as a fundamental duty for European partners.
“This is our continent, and if there is one lesson that I have seen demonstrated to me again and again in this job, it is this: Europe is not just our geography, but so much more. It is how we pursue our values, from climate to the Middle East. It’s how we pursue our interests, from trade to defence,” said Ed Miliband.
Miliband added that while the historic alliance with the United States via NATO remains essential, European nations must take greater responsibility for their own collective defense. “On economics, on defence, on security, I say to this conference: Our future lies in a stronger, deeper partnership with the European Union,” he declared.
Addressing Global Security and Middle East Policy
Expanding on contemporary threats, Miliband pointed to Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, Tehran-backed proxies, and global energy instability. He also touched upon climate change as an escalating security threat, calling out political parties that delay environmental action.
Turning to the Middle East, Miliband voiced strong criticism of the Israeli government’s military conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. He described the humanitarian suffering in Gaza as a “stain on the conscience of the world” while reiterating support for a two-state solution.
- Reaffirmed support for a secure Israel alongside a secure Palestine.
- Condemned settler violence and illegal occupation in the West Bank.
- Stressed the necessity of international alliances to manage global crises.
Miliband’s remarks align with broader discussions among senior Labour figures regarding Britain’s post-Brexit trajectory, as party members debate the timeline and framework for forging closer formal ties with Brussels.
