The UK must “stand for something,” Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Parliament on Wednesday, defending his government’s decision to block imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Burnham, who has held the office since July, noted that the UK has long supported a two-state solution in the Middle East, but argued that words must be backed by action.
“Leadership is about acting where there is injustice, where injustice needs to be corrected, when people are being driven from their homes,” the Prime Minister said. He added that in this complex and dangerous world, the UK must clearly define its position.
Reaction to sanctions and diplomatic pressure
The import ban, announced Tuesday by Foreign Secretary David Lammy alongside measures against companies and individuals linked to the settlements, has been described as one of the most significant shifts in British policy toward Israel in recent years. These steps are part of coordinated action with France and Canada aimed at pressuring Israel over the expansion of settlements, which these countries believe threaten a two-state solution.
Israel reacted to the sanctions with outrage. In response, the country ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem and banned 12 British nationals from entering the country. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that he thanked Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, for her criticism of the decision.
Kemi Badenoch previously wrote in The Sun that the Labour Party government was putting “its own party-political interests ahead of the national interest.” However, during Wednesday’s parliamentary session, she did not raise the issue of settlements with Burnham, focusing instead on defense spending. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister emphasized that Britain “will always stand up for the underdog,” calling it “leadership on the world stage.” His remarks were met with cheers from his party colleagues.
Source: The Straits Times
