LONDON, July 09, Brussels Morning Newspaper – Andy Burnham, widely expected to become the next British prime minister later this month, has signaled his intention to exert greater pressure on the Israeli government regarding its ongoing actions in Gaza. The incoming leader’s comments follow recent reports that he seeks a more robust approach than that of his predecessor.
In a recent interview, Burnham expressed dissatisfaction with how current Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially responded to the military campaign that began in October 2023. Burnham argued that the United Kingdom failed to act with sufficient urgency during the early stages of the conflict, specifically noting a delay in calls for a formal ceasefire.
“We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government … Yes, we have taken some important steps … But let’s be honest, the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire. And we must now do more to strengthen our approach,”
he said.
Burnham’s proposed policy shift involves a stricter regulatory framework regarding the Israeli government and its associated activities in the region. He emphasized that the UK government must explore further tools to influence the situation, moving beyond previous measures.
These plans include the potential implementation of additional sanctions directed at individuals involved in the violence within Gaza. Furthermore, the incoming administration is considering specific measures to restrict the trade of goods originating from illegal settlements.
These developments come as the broader regional conflict continues to evolve. Despite a ceasefire that concluded the primary two-year war last year, the Israeli military has maintained a series of strikes across Gaza, citing ongoing security concerns related to Hamas. Burnham’s stated objective is to ensure that British foreign policy remains active and assertive as the regional situation involving actors such as Hezbollah and Iran persists.
