From party leader to foreign secretary
A new Guardian podcast by Heather Stewart examines the political arc of Ed Miliband, focusing on a recent decision that has sharply altered perceptions of the veteran politician. As foreign secretary, Miliband announced trade sanctions on Israeli settlers and publicly denounced what he called “settler terrorists,” accusing them of ethnically cleansing parts of the West Bank — a stance that, according to the podcast, breaks with decades-long British policy on relations with Israel.
A long public transformation
Stewart traces Miliband’s path from a figure once better known for intra-party drama and political setbacks to someone now wielding significant diplomatic weight. Just over a decade ago, Miliband became Labour leader after a high-profile contest with his older brother, David, later losing the 2015 general election and becoming the subject of internet ridicule over an image of him eating a bacon sandwich. The podcast argues that, since then, Miliband has undergone a quieter but substantial transformation.
The policy shift and reactions
The combination of explicit language and targeted trade measures has drawn both rage and respect, Stewart reports. Critics have condemned the move as a rupture in long-standing UK policy towards Israel, while supporters praise the foreign secretary for taking a firmer line. The podcast explores how that reaction reflects broader debates within British politics about the country’s role on the international stage and how far ministers are willing to go in aligning rhetoric with sanctions.
Supporters and what comes next
Supporters quoted in the programme say Miliband is only just getting started, suggesting the sanctions and forceful language could mark the beginning of a sustained, tougher approach to the West Bank. Stewart's account positions the foreign secretary as an emerging elder statesman who has redefined his public image and recalibrated his priorities over the past decade. The podcast leaves open the question of how far this new posture will reshape UK foreign policy and political alignments at home.