Andy Burnham, widely expected to become Britain's next prime minister later this month, has called for the UK to adopt a tougher approach towards Israel, saying London should increase pressure over its military actions in Gaza, including considering additional sanctions and restrictions on trade with illegal settlements.
In an interview with The Guardian, Burnham said the UK needed to take firmer action against the Israeli government over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
"We've got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government," Burnham said.
"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."
Criticism of Starmer's early response
Burnham criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer's initial response to the Gaza war, which began after the October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas-led fighters.
At the time, Starmer resisted calls from within the Labour Party to demand an immediate ceasefire, instead supporting a humanitarian pause in the fighting.
He later backed a ceasefire, criticised Israel's conduct in Gaza, imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli cabinet ministers and formally recognised a Palestinian state.
Calls for further sanctions
Burnham said Britain should consider imposing additional sanctions on individuals linked to violence in Gaza and examine restrictions on trade involving goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements.
"We need to do more, which includes looking at further sanctions, both on those involved in the violence in Gaza but also looking at measures to ban trade in goods with illegal settlements," he said.
Although a ceasefire last year formally ended the two-year war, Israel has continued military operations in Gaza as part of the wider regional conflict involving Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israeli authorities say the operations target ongoing threats and attacks by Hamas.
Burnham's remarks signal that Britain's policy towards Israel could become more assertive if he assumes office later this month.
