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 pledging tougher measures against the Israeli government under his leadership, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Andy Burnham apologised for Labour's initial response to Israel's military action in Gaza, according to the Guardian.
- He said the party 'didn't get it right' and needs to 'do better' under his leadership.
- Burnham said he would put more pressure on the Israeli government, including further sanctions on individuals and entities.
- He raised a potential ban on the trade of goods with illegal settlements.
- Analysts remain wary about whether the UK's position is genuinely shifting, according to Al Jazeera.
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, according to the Guardian. The remarks signal what the outlet described as a significant shift in the UK’s approach to the Middle East.
Speaking to the Guardian, Burnham, described by the outlet as the prime minister-in-waiting, said he would put more pressure on the Israeli government. This would include further sanctions on individuals and entities, as well as a potential ban on the trade of goods with illegal settlements.
The Guardian characterised Burnham’s apology as a “reset moment” for Labour as the party seeks to win back progressive voters. The comments were presented as an exclusive.
Al Jazeera reported that Burnham hinted at policy shifts on Israel’s war in Gaza, but noted that analysts are wary about whether the UK’s stance is genuinely changing.
The apology and the accompanying pledges mark a public departure from Labour’s earlier response to the conflict, according to the reporting.
Why it matters
Labour's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict has been a flashpoint with progressive voters, and an apology from a senior Labour figure could signal a change in the UK's foreign policy direction. The measures floated, including further sanctions and a potential trade ban on goods from illegal settlements, would represent a tougher stance towards Israel if enacted.
Frequently asked questions
What did Andy Burnham apologise for?
Burnham 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, according to the Guardian.
What measures did Burnham propose against Israel?
He said he would put more pressure on the Israeli government, including further sanctions on individuals and entities, as well as a potential ban on the trade of goods with illegal settlements.
Are analysts convinced the UK's position is changing?
According to Al Jazeera, analysts are wary about whether the UK's position is genuinely shifting despite Burnham hinting at policy changes.