Prime Minister Andy Burnham has issued a response after a parliamentary petition calling for an independent inquiry into UK involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza passed a major landmark. The petition, posted on the UK government website, has surpassed 28,000 signatures at the time of writing.
The campaign calls for the government to launch a public inquiry into any British involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza, including the sale, supply or use of weapons, surveillance aircraft and Royal Air Force bases. Since passing 10,000 signatures, the government has been required to issue a response to the campaign.
Petition Set to Close in April 2027
The petition is set to close in April 2027. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the inquiry will be considered for a debate in parliament.
A statement accompanying the petition reads: "We want the UK Government to launch an inquiry into any British involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza, including the sale, supply or use of weapons, surveillance aircraft and Royal Air Force bases."
It continues: "We believe the UK has played a vital role in Israeli military operations in Gaza. We call on the UK Government to launch a fully independent inquiry into the UK's involvement since October 2023, which would have the power to question government ministers and officials involved in decision-making processes, particularly relating to: what arms have been supplied to Israel, what RAF bases have been used and why; what intelligence was collected during RAF flights; and what legal advice has the UK Government sought in assessing whether a genocide has taken place in Gaza."
Government Position on Gaza
Burnham has not labelled Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide. The Prime Minister has insisted the government will follow the determination of international courts rather than make a political judgment. Israel has denied allegations of committing genocide.
The development follows Burnham's announcement of sanctions targeting illegal West Bank settlements, in which he declared "Britain will continue to act in support of our values".
Burnham insisted the measures are directed "not at the Israeli people", but towards achieving peace across the region. The UK has accused the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians.
Prime Minister's Statement on Sanctions
The Prime Minister stated: "In an increasingly volatile world, Britain must be willing to lead. The British people expect it, as do our international partners, and I am determined my Government will continue to act in defence of our values."
He added: "Today, we are bringing forward targeted measures aimed not at the Israeli people, but in support of the two-state solution – and the prospect of Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace. The suffering of the Palestinian people is a scar on the conscience of the world. Innocent Palestinians, including children, continue to be killed in Gaza. And there is still a humanitarian crisis, with far too little aid getting in. That's why we are acting and why Britain will continue to act in support of our values."
