Andy Burnham says Labour ‘didn’t get it right’ as he apologises for its stance on Gaza

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Exclusive: PM-in-waiting says party must ‘do better’ in approach to Middle East and he will put more pressure on Israel </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jul/09/andy-burnham-keir-starmer-labour-nigel-farage-binface-reform-latest-news-updates">UK politics live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and needs to “do better” under his leadership as he signalled a significant shift in the UK’s approach to the Middle East.</p><p>The prime minister-in-waiting told the Guardian he would put more pressure on the Israeli government, including through further sanctions on individuals and entities, as well as potentially by banning trade in goods with illegal settlements.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/09/andy-burnham-labour-didnt-get-it-right-stance-gaza-war">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.