UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has set out a package of measures aimed at pressuring the Israeli government over settlement expansion and the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, while stressing that the steps target government policy rather than the Israeli people or Britain's Jewish community.
Burnham framed the announcement against a difficult and dangerous world, arguing that after Brexit there is a risk Britain loses the confidence to lead and stand for its values. He said he is not prepared to let that happen and that it is more important than ever that Britain stands for something.
He noted that successive governments have called for a two-state solution for years, but that words are meaningless without action. He acknowledged past hesitation to act, driven by fear of being accused of being anti-Israel. The new steps, he said, are carefully judged, practical measures directed at unacceptable policies of the current Israeli government, not at the Israeli people.
A scar on the world's conscience
Burnham described the suffering of the Palestinian as a scar on the conscience of the world. He pointed to the killing of innocent Palestinians, including children, a continuing humanitarian crisis with too little aid reaching Gaza, more than 70,000 people killed (at least 20,000 of them children), families and communities torn apart, homes destroyed, and the population of Gaza confined to just one third of the territory. He said people across the UK feel deeply about the issue.
Before becoming prime minister, Burnham said, he had argued that the UK's response had been too slow and not good enough. He committed to changing the government's approach and said he will not stand by as the suffering grows and the prospect a two-state solution – the best hope for peace and stability in the region – comes under attack.
Settlement expansion under attack
He highlighted the rapid expansion of settlements: more have been approved in the past four years of the current Israeli government than in the previous 20 years. The UN has reported more than 1,500 incidents of settler violence in the past year aimed at driving out Palestinians. The Israeli government has approved 104 new settlements since taking office in December 2022. Burnham warned that planned tenders for the E1 mega-settlement would cut a swathe through the heart of the West Bank, snuffing out the hope of a two-state solution, and said this cannot be allowed to happen.
The new package of measures
The package of measures includes a ban on trade in goods with illegal settlements in Palestine, a formal change in the British government's position to state that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful (independent of but in line with the conclusions of the International Court of Justice), and sanctions on individuals and companies that support, facilitate or profit from the occupation, including any businesses or investors involved in the construction of the E1 settlement. In addition, the government is announcing a new package of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Burnham said these steps are being taken because they are the right thing to do. He repeated his condemnation of the monstrous terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th 2023 in the strongest terms and continued condemnation of Hamas, while stating that this does not justify the Israeli government's actions in Gaza or the West Bank.
Targeting policy, not people
He emphasised that the measures target illegal settlements and seek to increase pressure for a change of course. They are not collective punishment of Israel as a whole or of the Israeli people, many of whom disagree with their government's policies. The Israeli people are not responsible for the actions of their government, nor is the Jewish community in the UK. Blaming Jewish people for the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu's government is antisemitism, plain and simple.
Burnham said he met representatives of the Jewish community last week and is aware of the fear they are living with. His government will stop at nothing to ensure their safety and to stamp out antisemitism in every part of society.
Keeping hope alive
The measures, he concluded, are about protecting the only solution that could see Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security – something people across the UK desperately want. His government will continue working with partners around the world to keep that hope alive.
The statement reflects a significant shift in UK policy emphasis under Burnham's leadership, focusing on settlement expansion as a direct threat to a two-state outcome while maintaining condemnation of Hamas and a commitment to combat antisemitism.