Andy Burnham admits Labour ‘got it wrong’ over Gaza - as he signals tougher policy on Israel

Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, admitting the Labour Party “didn’t get it right”.

The MP for Makerfield, who is expected to take over as prime minister next week, said the party needs to “do better” under his leadership and said he would put more pressure on the Israeli government through sanctions on both individuals and entities as he sought to win back voters who abandoned the party over its position on Gaza.

“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. The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better,” he said.

“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.”

His remarks come after swathes of Labour voters abandoned the party over its position on Israel and Palestine, particularly in areas with a high Muslim population.

More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent