Chris Mason: Burnham Aims to Outdo Starmer with West Bank Sanctions
BBC News reports on the UK’s decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a significant shift in British Middle East policy. The announcement by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, made alongside Prime Minister Andy Burnham, follows the UK’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state a year prior.
Miliband argues that this move is an extension of that previous decision and an expression of Burnham’s desire to go further than his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, was willing to. The foreign secretary emphasizes the UK’s agency and the importance of action, stating, "A strategy of passivity… is not a strategy."
This initiative gained international support, with 11 other countries, including France and Canada, adopting a similar stance. UK officials anticipated Israel’s reaction, which included the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem. While the US’ initial response from Secretary of State Marco Rubio was relatively understated, it highlights the complex diplomatic landscape.
Domestically, this move resonates with many on the British left and within the Labour movement, who have long advocated for such a stance. Burnham’s criticism of his predecessor’s approach to the Middle East and his pledge to address the hurt caused by past policies showcase his efforts to gain support from diverse segments of the population.
However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s reaction, published in the Jewish Chronicle, highlights another challenge for Burnham. The article emphasizes the delicate balance between diplomatic initiatives and the potential consequences for British-Jewish relations.
