Ed Miliband has taken up the UK's seat on the board of the World Bank, saying international development and the climate crisis are "central" to government policy. The foreign secretary, who previously served as energy and net zero secretary, described the move as "personal leadership" of overseas aid and global finance, and pledged to help countries adapt to the climate crisis. The appointment comes despite the government implementing significant cuts to UK aid spending, raising questions about the sincerity of its stated global leadership ambitions.

UK aid spending is falling from 0.5 per cent to 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income by 2029, with nine African countries facing bilateral aid cuts of more than 80 per cent, including Kenya (down 93 per cent) and Tanzania (down 91 per cent). Total aid cuts between 2024/5 and 2028/9 amount to around £6.5 billion, while climate aid will fall from £11.6 billion over five years to £6 billion over the next three, including a 50 per cent cut to the Green Climate Fund. Mr Miliband, who will be supported by new development minister Kirsty McNeill, will work with World Bank president Ajay Banga, whose institution provides roughly $100 billion in annual financing to developing countries.