Former foreign secretary David Miliband remarked that since Brexit, the United Kingdom has experienced a decline in influence regarded as just one among many "middle powers" globally.
In an article for The Observer, Miliband, currently serving as the president and chief executive of the International Rescue Committee, emphasized the need for the UK to counteract its decline by establishing new "structures and commitments" with the EU regarding foreign policy.
“Our relations in NATO are strong, but with the EU they are almost nonexistent. And this is all the more glaring since the war in Ukraine has brought the EU and NATO closer together,” he said.
Miliband suggested that the UK's decline could worsen if Donald Trump were to be re-elected later this year. However, he believes that even if Joe Biden secures a second term, "the warning signs about American willingness, patience, and ability to provide active and continuing strategic global leadership are still there."
He added, “In a world where the EU is shipping weapons to Ukraine, hosting 6 million Ukrainian refugees, is a major development actor, sits in the G20, and is a regulatory superpower in trade, climate, and digital areas, we need our mindset to change."
“A UK policy on Russia separate from the EU will be weaker and less effective. The same is true in respect of China. So the decision of the UK in 2019 to refuse a political and foreign policy relationship with the EU needs to be reversed. Structures and commitments to be in place to drive cooperation and coordination in the many areas of shared foreign policy, defense, security, and development policy interest.”
His remarks represent a significant departure from any policies outlined thus far by Labour regarding closer collaboration with the EU if the party secures power in the upcoming general election.
Miliband, who served as foreign secretary from 2007 to 2010 under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, asserts that "one of the delusions of Brexit" was the belief that the UK's fate would be determined solely by its own decisions, rather than recognizing the importance of engaging with and negotiating with other countries.
“The danger for British policymakers was exemplified by the Johnson government: wishful thinking about our power and position in a world dominated by growing global risks and muscular, transactional, adroit – sometimes predatory – nations and non-state actors, all growing in influence by the weakening of the multilateral system," he said.
He mentioned that Britain still possesses global influence and power, maintaining both hard and soft power. Additionally, being one of the wealthiest nations globally and holding a seat on the UN Security Council are privileges. However, Miliband stressed the importance of comprehending the current realities of British power, rather than clinging to past perceptions.
“We do not have the finance of Saudi Arabia, the EU anchor of France, the regional activism and risk appetite of Turkey, or the demographic strength of India or Indonesia. We are one among several ‘middle powers’ in the global system. Our wealth, military assets, and reputation have all declined relative to others in the last decade."
Miliband clarified that their stance on critical interests, spanning from the economy to the climate crisis, national security, and international development, would deteriorate unless concerted action is taken. He elaborated that this deterioration is due to the world trending towards an unhealthy disequilibrium, with Britain finding itself on the wrong side of some key trends.