Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is emerging as a strong contender to replace Keir Starmer as the UK’s prime minister. Following Starmer’s resignation amidst intense pressure from his own party, Burnham’s leadership could mark a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Burnham’s political journey has been marked by a blend of pragmatism and adaptability. His tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester, coupled with his recent victory in the Makerfield by-election, has positioned him as a formidable figure within the Labour Party. As he steps into the national spotlight, his stance on international issues, particularly those concerning Israel and Gaza, will be scrutinized closely.
Burnham’s Foreign Policy: A Complex Landscape
Burnham’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict is nuanced and has evolved over the years. In 2012, he visited the occupied West Bank with Labour Friends of Palestine, demonstrating his support for the Palestinian cause. However, in 2015, he joined Labour Friends of Israel, indicating a more balanced approach to the conflict.
His statements on Palestinian statehood and the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements have been a mix of support and criticism. While he has advocated for recognising Palestinian statehood and condemned the expansion of settlements, he has also opposed boycotting Israel, arguing that such measures are not the right response.
The Gaza Ceasefire Call
One of Burnham’s most notable actions was his call for a ceasefire in Gaza on October 27, 2026. This move, which he made alongside London mayor Sadiq Khan and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, marked a departure from the Labour leadership’s stance at the time. Burnham’s call for a ceasefire highlighted his concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, although he has been cautious about labeling Israel’s military actions as genocide.
Public Opinion and Political Pressure
Burnham’s potential leadership comes at a time when public opinion within the Labour Party is increasingly critical of the government’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Polling data commissioned by Save the Children UK, Christian Aid, and Medical Aid for Palestinians revealed that more than 60 percent of Labour Party members are dissatisfied with the government’s stance. The majority of these members support tougher measures, including the suspension of all UK arms exports to Israel.
The local elections in May highlighted a significant shift in voter sentiment. Labour lost more votes to the left-wing Green Party, which views Israel as an “apartheid” state and its military operations in Gaza as “genocide,” than to the far-right, anti-immigration party Reform UK. This shift underscores the growing importance of the Gaza issue in UK politics.
Continuity or Change?
Experts are divided on whether Burnham’s leadership will bring about a significant shift in the UK’s foreign policy towards Israel. Patrick Diamond, a lecturer in public policy at Queen Mary University of London, suggests that Burnham is likely to advocate for negotiations to end the violence. However, Nimer Sultany, a lecturer in public law at SOAS University of London, anticipates continuity rather than a break from current British policy toward Israel.
Burnham’s past actions and statements suggest a pragmatic approach to foreign policy. While he has shown support for the Palestinian cause and called for a ceasefire in Gaza, he has also demonstrated a willingness to engage with both sides of the conflict. His stance on Israel and Gaza will likely be shaped by a combination of his personal beliefs and the political pressures he faces as a potential prime minister.
Burnham’s Stance on Antisemitism and Jewish Community
Burnham has a long history of calling out antisemitism, particularly within his own party. In 2018, he tweeted to call for a firmer stand against antisemitism. During his tenure as mayor of Manchester, he was one of the first officials to speak publicly about the antisemitic terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur of 2026.
His support for Holocaust remembrance and education, as well as his active engagement with the Jewish community, has earned him praise from local Jewish organizations. However, there have been instances of disagreement, such as his call for a ceasefire in Gaza while hostages were still being held by Hamas. These disagreements highlight the complex nature of Burnham’s stance on Israel and Gaza.
As Burnham prepares to take on the role of prime minister, his approach to foreign policy and the Israel-Palestine conflict will be closely watched. The Labour Party’s recent electoral struggles and the growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza will likely shape his decisions. Whether he chooses continuity or change, his leadership could significantly impact the UK’s stance on one of the world’s most contentious issues.
