Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and needs to “do better” under his leadership. In an interview with the Guardian, the prime minister-in-waiting signalled a significant shift in the UK’s approach to the Middle East.
Burnham said he would put more pressure on the Israeli government, including through further sanctions on individuals and entities, as well as a potential ban on the trade of goods with illegal settlements. “We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government … Yes, we have taken some important steps … But let’s be honest, the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire,” he stated.
However, he stopped short of describing events in Gaza as a genocide, a key demand from the left, noting that while there was “increasing evidence” of war crimes, it was for international courts to determine. “There must be accountability for the depth of the suffering the people of Gaza have experienced,” he added.
The Green party deputy leader, Mothin Ali, accused Burnham of hiding behind international courts, arguing that admitting knowledge of war crimes would trigger a legal duty to halt arms sales immediately. Burnham’s apology may also irritate Keir Starmer, whose own remarks on Israel’s right to withhold power and water from Gaza drew widespread criticism in October 2023.
Burnham acknowledged the government’s steps, including recognition of Palestine, sanctions on Israeli ministers and settlers, and restrictions on arms licences. Yet many Labour figures believe Starmer’s early missteps hindered the government’s later actions from gaining traction. Two-thirds of Labour voters who switched to the Greens cited Gaza as a factor, according to a June Opinium poll.
Reassuring Jewish communities, Burnham emphasised a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism while holding the Netanyahu government to account. He described the suffering in Gaza as a “scar on our collective conscience” and promised a fair and balanced approach.
