Significant news has emerged following reports that the Labour Party has the chance to review its policy on Israel, but observers say it will opt for continuity. British politician Andy Burnham is tipped to become the UK ’ s next prime minister, after Keir Starmer announced his resignation last week amid intense pressure from his own Labour Party Burnham, who served as mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 and won the Makerfield by-election earlier this month, could take the reins of a party that has been haemorrhaging votes, after disastrous local elections in May.

Background

Tracing the events that led here provides important context for what follows.

As Burnham promises a leadership hurdle to replace Starmer – the most unpopular prime minister since polling began in the late 1970s, he will be compelled to consider the party ’ s stance on Israel and its genocidal war on Gaza.

Patrick Diamond, lecturer in public policy at Queen Mary University of London, UK, stated it was too soon to tell whether the party ’ s foreign policy on Israel will shift dramatically should Burnham become prime minister.

In a detail that has not gone unnoticed, “ He will certainly be mindful of the danger of losing voters over the Gaza issue. ” Local elections revealed 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.

Analysis

Those with expertise in the area say the timing of this development is particularly notable.

Additionally, polling commissioned by Save the Children UK, Christian Aid, and Medical Aid for Palestinians suggested that more than 60 percent of Labour Party members were dissatisfied with the government ’ s response to Israel, with the majority backing tougher measures, particularly the suspension of all UK arms exports to Israel.

Of particular significance is the fact that nimer Sultany, lecturer in public law at SOAS University of London, UK, said Burham ’ s overall position has not differed significantly from Starmer ’ s, with the exception of his call for a ceasefire in Gaza on October 27, 2023, when he broke ranks with the Labour leadership alongside London mayor Sadiq Khan and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

Reports further indicate that “ Having been a regional mayor for the last decade, Burnham hasn ’ t been heavily involved in foreign policy, so it is difficult to say exactly what his position is, ” Diamond said.

National Impact

The impact of this situation is expected to be felt across multiple areas.

Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s 2015 re-election as Israeli prime minister met disappointment from Burnham, who described it as “ depressing ” for his “ pledge to build more settlements ” in the occupied West Bank.

Compounding the significance of these events, upon becoming mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017, Burnham described Israel as a “ democracy that has a long history of protecting minorities and promoting civil rights. ” In the run-up to the Makerfield by-election last week, where Burnham held off a challenge from Reform UK, he refused to describe Israel ’ s military campaign in Gaza as a “ genocide ”.

In a detail that has not gone unnoticed, “ But I do have concerns about the disproportionate nature of what has happened in terms of the destruction, and there has to be a full process of investigation and accountability. ” Amid symbolic actions including recognising Palestinian statehood and issuing sanctions against some settlers or government ministers, one can expect the Labour Party to avoid acting “ against a rogue and outlaw state that has undermined international law and violated international courts ’ orders, ” said Sultany.

Notably, burnham has unsuccessfully run for Labour Party leader twice, in 2010 and in 2015.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, in his last conference speech before quitting the role to focus on the mayoral race, he said Labour could not afford to ignore voters ’ concerns about immigration but must “ fully face up ” to the fact that its support

What Happens Next

The situation is far from resolved, and additional details are expected to emerge as the story develops. Officials have indicated that further statements may be forthcoming, and observers will be watching closely.