Andy Burnham publicly apologized on July 9 for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and pledging to improve its stance going forward [1, 2, 3, 4]. He criticized Keir Starmer’s early handling of the crisis, saying the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and calling for a tougher approach on Israel [1, 2, 5].
Burnham said Labour will increase pressure on the Israeli government through further sanctions targeting individuals and entities, and is considering a ban on trade with illegal settlements [1, 2, 3, 4]. The UK government under Starmer’s leadership has already taken steps such as recognizing Palestine, sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers, and restricting arms exports to Israel [1, 2, 3].
Burnham expressed alarm over ongoing violence and expansion of illegal settlements in Gaza despite a ceasefire brokered in October 2025, which ended a two-year war marked by over 1,000 deaths since the truce [2, 3, 4]. He acknowledged “increasing evidence” that war crimes may have been committed in Gaza but said the ultimate judgement should come from international courts, not politicians [3, 4].
He emphasized that condemning Israeli government actions does not conflict with Labour’s zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism and vowed to maintain a “fair and balanced approach” to the conflict [4].
Labour’s stance on Gaza has caused internal divisions, with Starmer’s support in 2023 for Israel’s right to withhold power and water sparking backlash and delaying party clarification [1, 5]. This tension contributed to 8 Labour frontbenchers quitting over a ceasefire vote and has driven some progressive and Muslim voters to switch to the Green party, with two-thirds citing dissatisfaction with Labour’s position on Gaza [1, 5].
Burnham’s apology signals a shift ahead of his likely premiership, as he acknowledges past mistakes and promises a more assertive and clearer policy on Israel and Palestine, pledged to be updated if he becomes prime minister [1, 2, 3, 4].
