The Independent
·Jul 2026
Ed Miliband to take seat on board of World Bank – with overseas aid and climate ‘central to UK’
Ed Miliband is taking the United Kingdom’s seat on the World Bank board as UK governor, signalling that the government intends to place international development, global finance and climate adaptation at the centre of foreign policy. The appointment comes amid plans to cut aid spending from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income, reducing bilateral assistance to several African partners by more than 80% and lowering climate-aid commitments, including a 50% reduction in funding for the Green Climate Fund. Miliband says he will provide personal leadership on development and climate issues, supported by development minister Kirsty McNeill, while World Bank president Ajay Banga welcomes closer cooperation.