Andy Burnham has expressed regret over the initial response of the Labour Party to the Gaza conflict and indicated a notable change in the party’s position on the Middle East.
The anticipated Prime Minister acknowledged the distress in Gaza as a stain on humanity’s conscience and emphasized the need to intensify pressure on the Israeli government. He criticized the attacks by Hamas on October 7 and the subsequent surge in antisemitism in the UK, particularly referencing the disturbing synagogue incidents in Manchester.
Despite condemning the events, Burnham emphasized that there was no contradiction between adopting a strict stance against antisemitism and holding the Israeli government accountable.
In a social media video, he acknowledged past shortcomings in Labour’s reaction to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and issued an apology for the inadequacies, stressing the necessity for improvement.
Referencing Keir Starmer’s initial response to the October 7 attacks, Burnham highlighted the controversy surrounding Starmer’s remarks on Israel’s rights, which led to public outrage that Labour struggled to overcome. He commended the government’s actions, such as recognizing Palestine, imposing sanctions on Israeli officials and settlers, and restricting arms licenses applicable in Gaza.
However, Burnham criticized the UK for delayed calls for a ceasefire, citing ongoing violations by Israel, including the targeting of innocent Palestinians and escalating settler violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He accused Netanyahu’s government of obstructing a two-state solution.
Advocating for further sanctions on those involved in the Gaza violence and proposing a potential ban on trade with illegal settlements, Burnham expressed deep concern over the destruction in Gaza and raised the issue of possible war crimes requiring international accountability.
Additionally, Burnham outlined his desire for closer ties with Europe to enhance defense cooperation and address various security challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration on issues like illegal migration and economic security.