Labour's Gaza Response Criticized by Lammy and Burnham Amid Ongoing Conflict

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy criticized the Labour Party's initial response to the Gaza conflict, stating it was "problematic" during an interview on July 10, 2026. Sir Keir Starmer, the party leader, was said to have gotten the party off to a "bad start" regarding the issue while in opposition, particularly for not calling for an immediate ceasefire and suggesting that Israel had the right to cut off supplies to Gaza.

Starmer's Controversial Statements on Gaza

In the early weeks of the conflict, Starmer faced backlash for his comments during an interview with LBC. When asked whether it was appropriate for Israel to cut off power and water to Gaza, he stated, "I think that Israel does have that right." Following criticism, a spokesman clarified that Starmer meant to express Israel's general right to self-defense.

Lammy remarked, "The PM in that LBC interview… got us off to a bad start in opposition and I think he’s acknowledged that, and that’s definitely the case." His comments reflect broader concerns about the party's handling of international issues.

Burnham's Apology for Labour's Response

On October 26, 2023, Andy Burnham, who is expected to become Prime Minister soon, publicly apologized for Labour's response, admitting that the party "didn’t get it right" regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza. Burnham condemned the Hamas attack on October 7 and denounced rising antisemitic incidents in the UK.

In a video message, he stated, "Labour's initial response to the treatment of Gaza caused huge hurt. We got it wrong, and I am sorry for that." This apology signals a potential shift in the party's stance as it navigates the complexities of foreign policy and domestic issues.

Impact of Foreign Policy on Domestic Issues

When discussing whether Starmer's focus on foreign policy detracted from domestic concerns, Lammy emphasized that "the two are indivisible." He articulated how the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has been exacerbated by various global events, including the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Lammy noted, "I think there’s a trend right across the Western world for leaders to end up spending much more time on foreign policy than they’d hoped." As the Labour Party reassesses its approach, the impact of these foreign policy decisions on domestic challenges will be crucial moving forward.