Burnham says Labour “didn’t get it right” on Gaza, pledges accountability for the Netanyahu government and signals tougher measures if he becomes prime minister.
LONDON: Andy Burnham, who is expected to become the United Kingdom’s next prime minister later this month, has apologised for the Labour Party’s initial response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, acknowledging that the party “didn’t get it right” and promising a tougher approach toward the Israeli government.
What did Burnham say about Gaza?
Burnham said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza represents “a scar on our collective conscience” and admitted Labour had been too slow in responding to the conflict during its early stages. He said the party must “do better” and pledged to work to “stop the suffering” of civilians in Gaza. (The Guardian)
How would UK policy change under Burnham?
The Labour leader-in-waiting said Britain should increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government through additional sanctions and is prepared to consider banning trade with goods produced in Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. He also indicated that Britain’s approach to arms exports and broader relations with Israel would be reviewed.
What did Burnham say about accountability?
Burnham said there was growing evidence that war crimes may have been committed in Gaza and stressed that those responsible must be held accountable. However, he stopped short of describing Israel’s actions as genocide, arguing that such determinations should be made by international courts rather than political leaders.
Why are the remarks significant?
The comments represent one of the clearest departures yet from Labour’s earlier position under outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose initial response to the Gaza conflict drew criticism from many within the party and among Muslim and progressive voters. Burnham’s intervention is widely viewed as an effort to rebuild support while signalling a more assertive British stance on the conflict if he assumes office.