- Andy Burnham , the MP for Makerfield and expected to become the next Prime Minister, has issued an apology for Labour 's initial response to the conflict in Gaza , admitting the party "didn't get it right."
- His intervention signals a new policy direction for Labour, moving away from the previous government's stance under Keir Starmer, which maintained Israel 's right to defend itself.
- Burnham aims to regain voters alienated by Labour's position on Gaza, pledging to increase pressure on the Israeli government through sanctions and acknowledging the UK's delay in calling for a ceasefire.
- While not labelling actions in Gaza as genocide, he noted increasing evidence of potential war crimes and indicated a willingness to consider banning further weapons sales to Israel.
- As the sole candidate for Labour leader, Burnham also condemned antisemitism and the 7 October attacks, and suggested maintaining a cautious approach to any potential US-Iran conflict.
IN FULL
