UK premier-in-waiting Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and pledging a tougher approach towards the Israeli government if he becomes prime minister.
Speaking to The Guardian, Burnham acknowledged criticism of Labour’s handling of Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza and said the party’s response had “too often not been good enough.”
“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,” he said. “We need to do better.”
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Future Labour government would increase pressure
Burnham said a Labour government under his leadership would consider stronger measures against Israel, including additional sanctions on individuals and entities and a possible ban on trade in goods from illegal settlements.
“We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government,” he said, adding that the UK had been too slow to call for a ceasefire.
The comments come as Burnham, who is expected to become Labour leader and potentially the next UK prime minister, seeks to address concerns among party members and voters over its position on the Gaza genocide.
Burnham calls for accountability over Gaza suffering
The Labour figure said he had been “absolutely appalled” by the destruction in Gaza and warned that there must be accountability for the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
