Andy Burnham has pledged a sharper approach to Israel and Gaza as he prepares to take over the Labour leadership, signalling a significant shift from Sir Keir Starmer's foreign policy. In a public apology over Labour's handling of the conflict, Burnham acknowledged the party had been too slow to call for a ceasefire and vowed to adopt a firmer stance on the Israeli government. The intervention comes as Burnham stands unopposed for the Labour leadership after securing 322 nominations, effectively clearing the path to become the party's next leader and, if current political arrangements hold, the next prime minister. Apology marks break with Starmer In a video posted on social media, Burnham admitted Labour "didn't get it right" during the early stages of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. He said the party's response had "too often not been good enough" and insisted Labour must "do better" under his leadership. The remarks represent a clear departure from the Starmer government's position, which consistently defended Israel's right to respond following the Hamas attacks while gradually hardening its criticism of the conflict. Pressure on Israel set to increase Burnham indicated he is prepared to expand sanctions against Israeli individuals and organisations while considering tighter restrictions on arms exports. Foreign Office ministers are also reportedly examining ways to block goods and services originating from Israeli settlements without disrupting wider trade with Israel. He stopped short of describing events in Gaza as genocide, saying there was increasing evidence that war crimes "appear to have been committed" but arguing any legal determination must be made by international courts rather than politicians. Labour faces fresh internal test The incoming leader has also promised to relax Labour's internal discipline by pledging not to use the party's whip to suppress debate, following a series of suspensions under Starmer over policy disagreements. The shift reflects growing pressure from Labour MPs and voters who abandoned the party over its stance on Gaza, particularly in constituencies with large Muslim communities where support moved towards the Green Party. Foreign policy enters a new phase Despite signalling a tougher line on Israel, Burnham reaffirmed his condemnation of the October 7 attacks by Hamas and said there would be no tolerance of antisemitism within Labour. He also praised some of the outgoing government's actions, including recognising Palestine and sanctioning Israeli ministers linked to extremist settlers. With tensions across the Middle East remaining high and the risk of renewed confrontation involving Iran, Burnham's recalibration suggests Labour's foreign policy is entering a new and potentially more divisive chapter. Burnham signals tougher policy on Israel over Gaza
