In July 2026, the man set to become Britain’s next prime minister publicly apologised for his party’s initial response to the war in Gaza, acknowledging it “didn’t get it right” and promising a tougher line on Israel. Andy Burnham, who is expected to become prime minister on 20 July after an uncontested Labour leadership election, apologised for Labour’s stance in the early weeks of Israel’s military action in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s attack on 7 October 2023. He said the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire and that the party’s response had caused “huge hurt”. Burnham signalled a shift in UK policy, including further sanctions on Israeli individuals and entities, and a potential ban on trade with illegal settlements.
The background to this apology lies in the immediate aftermath of the 7 October attacks. In October 2023, after Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel, the UK government – then Conservative under Rishi Sunak – and the Labour opposition initially backed Israel’s right to self-defence. Labour leader Keir Starmer said Israel “has the right” to withhold power and water from Gaza, though he later clarified he meant only a general right to self-defence. Starmer resisted calls for a ceasefire, arguing instead for humanitarian pauses – short periods lasting just hours to deliver aid. By February 2024, Labour called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Burnham, then a backbencher, was among those calling for a ceasefire by late October 2023, putting him at odds with Starmer. Under Starmer, the UK recognised a Palestinian state, imposed sanctions on some Israeli ministers and settlers, and restricted arms licences. Burnham now says these steps were not enough.
“Andy Burnham’s apology for Labour’s Gaza stance signals a shift in UK foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine.”
Why does this matter for UK readers? The issue deeply divided Labour, alienating many Muslim and progressive voters, and drove younger voters towards the Green Party. Burnham’s apology signals a potential reorientation of UK foreign policy towards a more critical stance on Israel, including trade bans on settlement goods and stronger pressure on the Israeli government. It also addresses concerns over UK complicity in alleged war crimes. For British voters, the change could affect arms exports, sanctions policy, and the UK’s role in Middle East peace efforts.
Q: Why did Andy Burnham apologise for Labour’s Gaza stance? A: Burnham apologised because Labour’s initial response was seen as too supportive of Israel and slow to demand a ceasefire. He said it caused hurt and that the party needed to “do better” under his leadership.
Q: What specific changes to UK policy on Israel and Palestine is Burnham proposing? A: Burnham has suggested further sanctions on those involved in settler violence, a potential ban on trade in goods with illegal settlements, and stronger pressure on the Israeli government to adhere to international law.
Q: Did Burnham describe events in Gaza as genocide? A: No. He said there was “increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed” but that it was for international courts, not politicians, to determine.
What happens next: Burnham is expected to be declared Labour leader and become prime minister on 20 July 2026. His government will then face decisions on implementing tougher sanctions, possibly banning settlement goods, and shaping the UK’s stance in ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The Green party has accused him of hiding behind international courts, so pressure from the left will continue.