Elham Asaad Buaras
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s early response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, but campaigners say his words must be matched by action.
The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) described Burnham’s apology as “meaningless” unless it is followed by a commitment to end all UK arms exports to Israel.
Burnham made the remarks in a video statement released on July 9, while he was Labour MP for Makerfield and a, days before becoming Prime Minister on July 20. Responding to criticism of Labour’s handling of the war, he acknowledged that the party had failed many people at the outset of the conflict.
“I know many people feel that at the start of Israel’s military action in Gaza, my party didn’t get it right and I am sorry about that,” he said. “The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better.”
Beginning his statement by highlighting the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, Burnham said the UK had been too slow to call for a ceasefire and argued that greater pressure should be placed on the Israeli government.
“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,” he said.
He said the government should consider further measures, including sanctions and restrictions on trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
Addressing allegations of breaches of international law, Burnham said he had been “absolutely appalled” by the scale of destruction in Gaza and that there was growing evidence suggesting war crimes had been committed. However, he said decisions on accountability should ultimately be left to international courts rather than politicians.
Burnham concluded by saying he wanted to work with international partners to end the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel complies with international law and preserve the prospect of a two-state solution.
The following day, CAAT dismissed the statement as a “non-apology”.
Sam Perlo-Freeman, the organisation’s Research Coordinator, said Burnham’s comments would remain “meaningless” unless they were accompanied by a complete ban on UK arms exports to Israel.
CAAT also renewed its call for an immediate halt to exports of components for the F-35 fighter aircraft programme, arguing that they have been used by Israel during military operations.
The organisation accused Burnham of focusing on Labour’s delayed response to the conflict rather than Britain’s continuing role in supplying Israel’s military. It also called for investigations into British nationals who have served with Israeli forces during the conflict, as well as allegations surrounding the transfer of UK-origin weapons to Israel.
