UK's incoming PM Burnham to ramp up pressure on Israel, ban settlement goods

Andy Burnham, poised to become Britain's next prime minister, intends to intensify pressure on the Israeli government over its conduct in Gaza. In a recent interview, Burnham expressed dissatisfaction with the UK's delayed call for a ceasefire following the October 2023 Hamas attack.

"We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government," Burnham stated, adding, "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."

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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.

Burnham's government has already imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli cabinet ministers and formally recognized a Palestinian state. He indicated further measures could include broader sanctions and a ban on trade with illegal settlements. These actions come amidst ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza and wider regional conflict involving Iran and Hezbollah.

While a ceasefire last year ended a two-year war, military actions have continued. Burnham's proposed policies signal a potential shift in the UK's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional security.

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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.