London: The UK premier-in-waiting, Andy Burnham, apologized on Thursday for Labour's initial response to Israel's military action in Gaza, saying the party "didn't get it right" and promising a tougher approach toward the Israeli government if he becomes prime minister.
According to Anadolu Agency, Burnham acknowledged concerns over Labour's handling of the Gaza conflict during an interview with the Guardian, stating the party needed to "do better." He expressed regret over the party's initial actions, emphasizing the need for improvement. "I know many people feel that at the start of Israel's military action in Gaza, my party didn't get it right, and I am sorry about that. The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better," Burnham remarked.
Burnham outlined that a future Labour government would intensify pressure on Israel through sanctions on individuals and entities, and would consider a ban on trade in goods from illegal settlements. He stressed the need for a more robust stance, saying, "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. And we must now do more to strengthen our approach."
While expressing his horror at the destruction in Gaza, Burnham refrained from labeling the conflict as genocide, insisting that such determinations should be left to international courts. "I have been absolutely appalled by what I've seen and read about the destruction of Gaza. There's increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed," he stated. He emphasized the need for accountability, adding, "Ultimately, however, it must be for the international courts to determine, rather than politicians."
Burnham also addressed the balance between combating antisemitism and holding the Israeli government accountable. "I will always take a fair and balanced approach and stand up for what is right," he pledged. He labeled the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as "a scar on our collective conscience," criticizing the insufficient aid reaching the territory and the Israeli military's expanding control.
He condemned the increasing violence by Israeli occupiers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as the ongoing expansion of illegal settlements, which he argued complicates the prospect of a two-state solution. "That's why we need to do more, which includes looking at further sanctions, both on those involved in the violence in Gaza but also looking at measures to ban trade in goods with illegal settlements," he asserted.
Burnham's political journey has seen significant evolution, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During a Labour leadership debate in 2015, he expressed his intention to visit Israel as his first foreign trip as Labour leader and joined the Labour Friends of Israel. Despite previously condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement as "spiteful," he has consistently supported a two-state solution and opposed illegal West Bank settlements, notably visiting the region with pro-Palestinian politicians in 2012.
His stance has continued to evolve alongside party shifts. Notably, in October 2023, as mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham diverged from national leadership by calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In 2025, he co-signed a letter advocating for the formal recognition of a Palestinian state.