Europe and US need ‘separate bedrooms’ but not divorce, says David Miliband

Speaking at Hay literary festival, former Labour minister says complete disengagement has potential ‘for us to end up in a very, very difficult position’

Former foreign secretary David Miliband has said Europe should have “separate bedrooms” from the US, but not seek a “divorce” from its traditional alliance, despite the Trump administration’s impact on the relationship.

Speaking at the Hay literary festival on Sunday, the former Labour minister, who has served as the president of the International Rescue Committee since 2013, said: “You can see the argument that strategic autonomy for Europe means divorce from the United States. I really counsel the dangers of that.”