Andy Burnham Pledges Tougher Sanctions on Israel as Next Prime Minister

Expected Prime Minister Andy Burnham apologized for the Labour Party's initial response to the conflict in Gaza, admitting the party did not get it right and the United Kingdom was too slow to call for a ceasefire. In interviews and a social media video, Burnham proposed a more assertive foreign policy, including further sanctions against individuals and entities involved in violence in Gaza and a ban on trade in goods from illegal settlements.

Burnham described the suffering in Gaza as a scar on the collective conscience and acknowledged increasing evidence of war crimes. However, he stated that any ruling on genocide belongs to international courts. While he condemned Hamas's October 7 attacks and the rise of antisemitism, his rhetoric drew a joint rebuke from the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, who expressed significant concerns that one-sided portrayals of the conflict fuel hatred.

Pro-Palestinian groups, including the Palestinian Forum in Britain, welcomed the shift, while the Palestine Solidarity Campaign demanded a full arms embargo. These policy pivots follow the resignation of Keir Starmer on June 22. Burnham is expected to officially take office on July 20. Alongside these diplomatic shifts, allies such as Lisa Nandy suggested the future government may increase public borrowing or taxes to fund a £15bn increase in defense spending.