Andy Burnham, Labour's candidate for mayor of Greater Manchester, issued an apology for the party's initial response to Israel's military action in Gaza, pledging to intensify pressure on the Israeli government. This move is seen as a critical attempt to rebuild Labour's electoral coalition, which has been fractured by the party's stance on the conflict.
Background of the Controversy
In October 2023, days after the Hamas attack on Israel, Labour leader Keir Starmer stated in an LBC interview that Israel had the right to defend itself and suggested it could withhold power and water from Palestinian civilians, though he added that actions must comply with international law. The comments sparked widespread backlash, particularly from Muslim councillors and left-wing supporters, leading to threats of resignation and a rebellion in Parliament.
Impact on Labour's Support
Labour has lost support among progressive voters, including young people and middle-class graduates, who have turned to the Green Party or independent candidates. The issue remains a recurring topic on the doorstep during by-elections and local elections, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues.
Burnham's Apology and Pledge
Burnham's apology marks what insiders call a 'reset moment' for Labour. He promised to 'look at' further sanctions and measures to ban trade with illegal settlements. However, it remains unclear whether this will lead to substantive policy changes or primarily a shift in tone.
Challenges and Reactions
Senior Labour figures acknowledge that Starmer's LBC interview caused lasting damage. One insider noted, 'People just got stuck on that LBC interview. Keir never recovered from it.' The party must balance its response with concerns about rising antisemitism, particularly in communities like Manchester.
Historical Context
Labour has a complicated history with Israel and Palestine, traditionally supporting Israel's creation but increasingly critical of its occupation under hardline leaders. Under Jeremy Corbyn, criticism of Israel sometimes crossed into antisemitism, leading to an EHRC finding of unlawful harassment. Starmer's zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism distanced him from Corbyn but left him struggling to address Gaza effectively.
