This is a transcript of an interview with David Miliband, foreign secretary, by James Blitz, the FT’s political editor, Daniel Dombey, diplomatic correspondent, and Philip Stephens, chief political commentator, conducted on Friday July 6. It is unabridged and has been edited for clarity.

FT: Just to start, you’ve been here a week, mugging up on all parts of the world. Just, what do you make of it, what’s your view of the FCO, the issues that now confront you.