On July 10, 2026, Labour MP Andy Burnham issued an apology regarding his party's stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Burnham, seen as the UK’s prime minister-in-waiting, stated that Labour “didn’t get it right” and pledged to increase pressure on Israel once he assumes leadership.
In a video message shared on social media, Burnham expressed concern over the “unbearable suffering” in Gaza, where over 73,000 people have died since October 2023 due to Israeli military actions. He acknowledged that Labour was slow to call for a ceasefire and emphasized the need for the UK to do more.
Burnham's Position on Gaza and Israel
Burnham, who recently returned to parliament by winning a by-election in Makerfield, highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating, “The innocent Palestinians, including children, continue to be killed.” He also condemned the Hamas-led attacks on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,100 Israeli deaths.
He criticized the Israeli government's violations of ceasefire agreements and the expansion of illegal settlements in Palestinian territories. Burnham remarked, “Netanyahu’s government is clearly attempting to make a two-state solution impossible,” indicating his commitment to advocating for peace.
The Public's Reaction to Labour's Gaza Stance
Public sentiment in the UK has shifted, with many citizens believing that the government has not adequately addressed the situation in Gaza. A YouGov poll found that 50% of respondents think Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, with only 17% disagreeing.
Burnham's apology may be an attempt to regain support from voters who have left the Labour Party over its stance on Palestine. According to a recent poll, two-thirds of Labour voters who switched to the Green Party cited Labour’s position on Gaza as a significant factor.
Future Implications for UK Foreign Policy
As Burnham prepares to take on a leadership role, questions arise regarding potential changes in the UK’s foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine. Patrick Diamond, a former senior policy adviser for the Labour government, noted that Burnham's remarks aim to placate voters who defected over the Gaza issue, but the long-term impact on policy remains uncertain.
Labour's previous stance, particularly under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, framed Israel's actions as self-defense, which many viewed as insufficiently responsive to the humanitarian crisis. Burnham's commitment to a two-state solution could signify a notable shift in the party's approach.
- Over 73,000 deaths in Gaza since October 2023
- Burnham's leadership is anticipated by the end of July 2026
- 50% of British public believe in genocide claims against Israel
- Two-thirds of Labour voters who switched parties cited Gaza stance
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
