Burnham doubles down on Labour got it wrong on Gaza claim in new interview with Lineker
Comments and interview will once again raise concern about the incoming Prime Minister's judgement on the issue
Andy Burnham has doubled down on his claim that Labour’s initial stance on Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza was “wrong” during a new interview – given to Gary Lineker.
In comments that will once again raise concern about the incoming Prime Minister’s judgement on the issue, also attempted to gain credit for having called for a ceasefire “very early on” after the Hamas atrocity in southern Israel.
The Makerfield MP also claimed Keir Starmer had chosen to “pick a side” after the “horrendous” October 7 attacks in support of Israel, whilst failing to recognise the “disproportionate nature” of the response in Gaza.
Burnham also failed to challenge Lineker’s assertion that part of the reason Starmer had lost support “was the way he dealt with the ongoing genocide, I think, in Gaza…. and what’s happening in Lebanon as well”.
The former Greater Manchester mayor replied: “I did address Gaza directly last week and I recognised that Labour got it wrong. I mean, obviously, the attacks of October 7 were horrendous.”
He continued:”But at the same time I look at what happened in the aftermath and has carried on happening, and it’s possible to criticise both things rather than just pick a side.
“In my view it was wrong for the suggestion to be made that essential supplies could be closed off”, Burnham said, adding: “It was an impression given, but sometimes in politics when those impressions land with people they can cause real hurt and I took the moment to say that that was something that I should acknowledge was wrong and apologise, for which I did.”
Burnham continued: “I think, as you said in your question, I have real concerns about, well, the destruction of Gaza and, you know, the disproportionate nature of that.”
Burnham’s decision to give an interview to Lineker on his Goalhanger company’s YouTube channel on Wednesday afternoon. will also raise further concerns within the community.
The Match of the Day host stepped down from the BBC over antisemitism claims after he shared a post about Zionism that included an image of a rat.
He apologised and denied allegations of antisemitism.
Earlier this week, Starmer defended the position his party took on Gaza as he spoke to Jewish News, saying he recognised the horrendous nature of the Hamas attacks, while also calling for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
