On July 9, 2026, UK Labour Party leader Andy Burnham publicly apologised for the party's initial response to Israel's actions in Gaza. In a video message posted on X, Burnham stated, "we got it wrong," emphasizing the need for stronger UK measures against violence in the region.
Burnham's Acknowledgment of Labour's Missteps
In his address, Burnham recognized that many felt the Labour Party's response at the onset of Israel's military operations was inadequate. He remarked, "The response has not been good enough. We needed to be better." He highlighted steps taken by the UK, including recognizing the state of Palestine and imposing sanctions on Israeli far-right ministers, but acknowledged the need for more decisive action.
Burnham pointed out that the UK was "too slow to call for a ceasefire" and insisted on the necessity of enhancing the UK's approach. He condemned the ongoing violence against Palestinians, stating that more than 1,000 people have died in Gaza since a ceasefire was brokered in October 2023.
Calls for Increased Sanctions and Measures
Burnham outlined his view that the UK must consider further sanctions on those involved in the violence in Gaza. He also mentioned the importance of banning trade with illegal settlements. He noted, "we’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government," although he refrained from directly accusing Israel of genocide.
