Burnham is the new captain, but he's charting the same course on Israel

A new British prime minister, Andy Burnham, has taken office, promising substantial changes to the country's direction. Labour's resurgence after a period of decline has been evident, with the party now leading public opinion polls and garnering strong personal ratings. However, Burnham's approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza, has raised concerns.

In his inaugural speech, Burnham declared his intention to enact a "circuit breaker" in British politics, vowing to bring about significant changes. During his first official speech, he offered a sincere apology for his party's response to Israel's assault on Gaza, admitting that they had "got it wrong." Despite this apology, Burnham's actions thus far have been incongruent with his words on the issue.

In the weeks following his ascension, Burnham's government has continued to align itself with Israel, despite the latter's systematic campaign of erasure in Gaza. The Labour Party's work with Israel has included allowing British spy flights to gather intelligence, facilitating the ongoing bloodshed. This stance has been further evidenced by Burnham's decision to attend a recent Farnborough International Airshow, where Israeli arms companies showcased their weaponry, rather than distancing his government from their presence.

Furthermore, Burnham's Foreign Office has been cautious in acknowledging the severity of the situation in Gaza, reframing it as a "terrible suffering" rather than a genocide. This approach has been met with skepticism, given the potential impact on British policy, which the administration acknowledges has been subpar. Despite these shortcomings, Burnham remains committed to forging a new path forward for British politics.