Burnham apologizes for Labour's Gaza stance

Burnham apologizes for Labour's Gaza stance

Andy Burnham has apologized for Labour's initial response to Israel's military action in Gaza, stating that the party "didn't get it right" and needs to "do better" under his leadership. This apology is a notable shift in the UK's approach to the Middle East, as Burnham signaled his intention to put more pressure on the Israeli government through sanctions and potentially banning trade in goods with illegal settlements.

Burnham's intervention aims to address concerns among voters on Labour's progressive flank, many of whom have abandoned the party over its position on Israel and Palestine. According to an Opinium poll for the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, two-thirds of Labour voters who have switched to the Green party cited the party's position on Gaza as a factor.

The Labour leader's apology may irritate Keir Starmer, who has faced criticism for his handling of the Gaza issue. Starmer's interview on LBC radio, in which he said Israel "has the right" to withhold power and water from Gaza, upset many within the party. Starmer later took almost 10 days to clarify his remarks, further angering many Muslim and progressive voters.

Burnham acknowledged that the UK government has taken some significant steps, including formal recognition of Palestine, sanctions on Israeli ministers and violent settlers, and restrictions on arms licenses. However, he emphasized that more needs to be done to put pressure on the Israeli government, describing the suffering of the people of Gaza as a "scar on our collective conscience."

Foreign Office ministers are already exploring ways to prevent goods and services from illegal settlements from entering the UK, without affecting legitimate trade with Israel. Burnham also criticized the large increase in settler violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and the continued expansion of illegal settlements, which are displacing Palestinian communities.

Despite his apology, Burnham stopped short of describing the situation in Gaza as a genocide, stating that while there is "increasing evidence" of war crimes, it is for international courts to make that ruling.

Burnham's shift in position may be seen as an attempt to win back voters who have abandoned the party over its stance on Gaza. Labour lost more votes to the left-wing Green Party than to the far-right Reform UK in recent local elections. A study revealed that over half of former Labour voters who intend to vote for a center or left-wing party in the next general election cited Israel's actions in Gaza as a factor in their decision.

Labour MP Kim Johnson emphasized that foreign policy is not a side issue, but rather about values, credibility, and whose side you are on when it matters. Johnson argued that Burnham needs to show moral clarity on Gaza and be prepared to say clearly what Starmer would not: that a genocide is ongoing and that Labour's refusal to speak honestly and act decisively on it has come at a huge political cost.

Critics have accused Burnham of shifting his position when convenient, branding him a "political weathervane" or a "flip-flop." However, supporters depict him as a pragmatist whose ear is attuned to the demands of the people. Burnham's previous statements on Israel and Palestine have been inconsistent, having joined Labour Friends of Israel in 2015 and described Israel as a "democracy that has a long history of protecting minorities and promoting civil rights."

As Burnham prepares to take over as prime minister, he will be forced to consider the party's stance on Israel and its actions in Gaza. The Labour Party has been haemorrhaging votes, and Burnham's leadership challenge may be seen as an opportunity to shift the party's foreign policy on the Middle East. However, it remains to be seen whether Burnham will stray far from Labour's set policies, as some experts predict continuity rather than a break from current British policy toward Israel.