Potential next British PM Burnham says UK must 'do more' to pressure Israel

Andy Burnham, a leading contender to succeed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, called for a tougher British approach toward Israel in an interview with The Guardian, including the possibility of additional sanctions.

In the interview, Burnham criticized the Labour Party’s initial response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and had been too slow to call for a ceasefire.

“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. The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better,” Burnham said. “We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government.”

He added, “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.”

Like many Western governments, the United Kingdom has backed Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas in theory while systematically labeling Israel’s self-defense military operations as “disproportionate.”

Last month, the Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the UK, Canada, Australia, France and Norway for introducing sanctions against Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Israeli groups in Judea and Samaria (West Bank).

“Israel firmly rejects the disgraceful measures adopted by foreign governments against Israeli citizens, entities, and a government minister,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on 𝕏.

Burnham’s remarks suggest he would pursue a more confrontational British policy toward Israel if he becomes prime minister, at a time when debate over the war in Gaza and the UK’s relationship with Israel remains highly charged.

Israel has rejected international accusations of genocide in Gaza. Burnham did not use that term, but said he was “absolutely appalled” by the destruction in the enclave and argued that there is growing evidence that war crimes may have been committed. He added that accountability is needed for the suffering in Gaza, but said it should be up to international courts – rather than politicians – to determine whether such crimes occurred.

Burnham's remarks also drew criticism from Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party, who reportedly argued that if the British government acknowledges war crimes are being committed, it could be legally required to suspend arms sales.

The comments come after Starmer’s government formally recognized a Palestinian state following domestic political pressure, a move criticized by both Israel and the United States. Starmer said at the time that recognition was intended to advance a broader push for a two-state solution.

Burnham also sought to reassure Britain’s Jewish community that criticism of the Israeli government does not conflict with opposition to antisemitism, and said he “strongly condemned” the Oct. 7attack.

“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 said.