UK PM-in-waiting Burnham admits Britain 'too slow' on Gaza, vows tougher line on Israel
Britain's prime minister-in-waiting, Andy Burnham, has acknowledged that the UK government's response to Israel's war on Gaza has "not been good enough" and pledged to apply "more pressure" on the Israeli regime, including considering further sanctions and a ban on trade with illegal settlements.
In an interview with The Guardian published on Thursday, the former Mayor of Manchester, who is tipped to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said many people believed the current administration "didn't get it right" in its handling of the conflict.
"I am sorry about that. The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better," Burnham was quoted as saying.
His remarks come as Starmer's Labour government, which took office in July 2024, has already taken steps against Israel, including sanctioning Israeli ministers accused of inciting settler violence in the West Bank, suspending free-trade negotiations, and formally recognising a State of Palestine.
Pro-Palestine activists block road leading to Elbit’s weapons factory in Filton, UK, denouncing the firm's supply of weapons to Israel and aiding the genocide of Palestinians.
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However, pro-Palestinian advocates have argued these measures have not gone far enough, with some voters reportedly shifting their support to the Green Party, whose leader has accused Israel of committing genocide.
"We've got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government," Burnham said. "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."
He added that further sanctions should be considered and that measures should be examined "to ban trade in goods with illegal settlements."
Britain has halted trade talks with Israel, suspended arms sales to the regime that could be used in Gaza, and summoned Israeli ambassador following the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the looming famine, a man-made crisis deliberately imposed by Israel to starve an entire nation. pic.twitter.com/cBUWYA6QrA
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Responding to concerns about a rise in anti-Jewish incidents in Britain, Burnham stated, "There is no contradiction between a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism and holding the Netanyahu government to account. I will always take a fair and balanced approach and stand up for what is right."
Burnham is expected to succeed Starmer, who announced his resignation on June 22, under a nomination process that began on Thursday.
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