Andy Burnham Apologises for Labour’s Gaza Response and Calls for More Pressure on Israel
Burnham said Labour was too slow to call for a ceasefire and backed possible sanctions, trade bans and other steps to increase pressure on Israel.
- On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Labour figure Andy Burnham apologized for his party's initial response to Gaza, stating the UK must increase pressure on the Israeli government to protect the two-state solution.
- Describing Gaza's destruction as a "scar on our collective conscience," Burnham, expected to become prime minister later this month, called for further sanctions on Israeli officials and bans on goods from illegal settlements.
- Reiterating his condemnation of the October 2025 terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue, Burnham emphasized his "zero tolerance approach to antisemitism" despite an incident that resulted in two deaths and three serious injuries.
- Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed officials are "looking at what more we can do" on trade restrictions, while ActionAid UK urged the Government to "act decisively" by imposing a full arms embargo.
- Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali criticized Burnham for citing international courts to determine war crimes, arguing this avoids the British Government's "legal duty to immediately halt arms sales" to Israel.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Andy Burnham says UK's Labour 'got it wrong' in the early stages of Israel's offensive in Gaza
In a video posted to his Instagram account, Burnham said: “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.”
Andy Burnham offers milquetoast sop to Palestine. Sadly for him we weren’t born yesterday
Incoming PM Andy Burnham has said the Labour Party got it wrong on Palestine and will fix up. He’s pledged to put more pressure on Israel, including possible bans and sanctions. But is he to be trusted? Burnham told the Guardian: I know many people feel that at the start of Israel’s military action in […] By Joe Glenton
Incoming UK PM Andy Burnham urges to ramp up pressure on Israel and ban settlement goods
"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," said Burnham.
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