Ed Miliband holds first talks with US counterpart as Donald Trump’s arch-enemy Gavin Newsom heaps praise on ‘smart’ new Foreign Secretary’s Net Zero push
Ed Miliband has held his first talks with his American counterpart since becoming Foreign Secretary, in a call that drew public praise from Californian governor Gavin Newsom, one of Donald Trump's most prominent domestic critics. Newsom described Miliband as "smart" and welcomed his continued push on Net Zero and clean energy policy, framing the exchange as a contrast to the Trump administration's rollback of climate commitments. The episode highlights how UK climate diplomacy is increasingly being drawn into the wider political rift between Trump and his opponents within the United States.
The article, however, offers little further detail on the substance of the discussions between Miliband and his US counterpart, focusing instead on the political optics of Newsom's endorsement. It appears alongside a broad mix of unrelated Daily Mail news items, suggesting the piece is a short news-in-brief report rather than an in-depth account of the talks.
In short
- Ed Miliband spoke with his US counterpart for the first time as Foreign Secretary
- California's Gavin Newsom praised Miliband as "smart" over his Net Zero stance
- Move seen as highlighting clash with Trump's anti-climate agenda
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The UK should actively engage with American states like California on climate because they are powerful actors with genuine authority over significant populations and economies. Climate action transcends partisan boundaries and represents a universal priority that Britain must pursue with all willing partners. Building relationships across the American political spectrum ensures continuity of cooperation on shared values regardless of which administration holds federal power.
The case against
UK diplomacy must prioritise relations with the federal government, America's most crucial partnership, and should be cautious about appearing to align with the sitting president's political opponents. Visible alignment with administration critics risks damaging British interests with those who control US policy towards Britain. Maintaining proper diplomatic channels and protocol remains essential to British effectiveness, even when disagreeing with administrations on specific issues.
Explained simply
Ed Miliband is a senior Labour politician who has held several government roles. Net Zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the point where any remaining emissions are balanced by removals; reaching it involves changes across energy, transport and industry.
The United States has a federal government, while California is a large state with its own governor. Gavin Newsom is California’s governor and a prominent critic of Donald Trump, whose administration has taken a different approach to climate policy.
Climate policy can shape UK-US relations because both countries’ choices affect energy investment, emissions and international cooperation. The political divisions within the US also mean that UK climate diplomacy may attract attention from figures outside the federal government.
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