Warnings had been issued, and the Andy Burnham administration, which initially appeared to mirror Keir Starmer’s leadership with a more optimistic outlook, took a decisive turn on Tuesday. Burnham expressed his belief that the Labour Party had fallen short in addressing the situations in Palestine and Gaza, making it clear that he intended to initiate trade sanctions against illegal settlements in the West Bank, marking a significant departure from previous policies.
Some critics were quick to respond, even before Ed Miliband made his official announcement in the House of Commons. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee accused Miliband of “hating Jews,” a statement that suggested he believed Miliband harbored animosity even towards his own identity.
Huckabee also questioned the timing of sanctions against nations like Russia, China, and North Korea, seemingly unaware that such actions had already been taken. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned that the UK would be making a grave mistake if sanctions were implemented, implying that inaction while settlers engage in land seizures and violence is somehow the morally preferable stance. The situation is indeed perplexing.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right security minister, ventured off-topic by asserting that these sanctions would equate to recognizing the Falkland Islands as Argentine territory, as if the sanctions were solely responsible for altering international claims. The Israeli government has historically shown little regard for Palestinian self-determination, which raises questions about their concern for the rights of those in the Falklands.
Domestic opposition also surfaced, with Kemi Badenoch writing for the Jewish Chronicle, claiming the government was eager to appeal to Islamists and that Jewish safety in the UK was at risk. Curiously, she failed to address any Conservative plans regarding the Israeli settlements, which likely means no substantial action will be taken, continuing the pattern of ambiguous support for Netanyahu amid rising Palestinian displacement.
In contrast, the House of Commons exhibited a rare moment of civility, with MPs engaging in a constructive debate. Attendance was low among Conservative backbenchers, suggesting a lack of interest in the West Bank issue, while Labour members largely filled their seats, indicating that many viewed the sanctions as a necessary and overdue action. The atmosphere was more one of relief than celebration, with Burnham present to offer his support.
Miliband began his address by acknowledging his Jewish heritage and expressing gratitude towards Israel for providing refuge to some of his relatives, while firmly condemning antisemitism in all its forms. He emphasized the distinction between the Israeli people and their government, framing the sanctions as a moral imperative rather than an expression of hatred. These measures would specifically target goods associated with illegal settlements, rather than imposing a blanket ban on all Israeli products. It was an appeal to uphold values and oppose oppression, reinforcing the hope for a two-state solution, with France and Canada also joining in similar sanctions.
The tone of the discussion was notably enhanced by Tom Tugendhat’s response on behalf of the Conservatives. Had Priti Patel been present, the exchange might have turned more contentious. Tugendhat, however, appeared somewhat constrained, unsure of his true stance on the sanctions, as he was tasked with opposing them. He acknowledged Miliband’s points, agreeing that the settlements were illegal and that Hamas was a terrorist organization, yet he was compelled to argue that sanctions would be ineffective and detrimental to British security, even suggesting dire consequences for the UK’s access to Israeli pharmaceuticals.
Tugendhat’s dilemma highlighted the contradiction between his desire for action and the Conservative position of inaction. He found himself defending the status quo while endorsing Netanyahu’s government, seemingly accepting the ongoing violence as a given in international relations.
The rest of the session saw Labour MPs expressing their gratitude for a government that had listened to their concerns. Notably, Edward Leigh, a long-time member of the Conservative Friends of Israel, voiced his complete support for Miliband, echoing sentiments that enough was enough. Other Conservative voices, like Kit Malthouse and Desmond Swayne, shared similar views, indicating that the case for sanctions had gained traction beyond Labour’s ranks.
Oliver Dowden, however, urged caution, suggesting a delay until after the Israeli elections, when a potentially more moderate government could take office. His comments raised questions about the immediacy of the situation, as it was evident that the current government’s stance was widely understood. Imposing sanctions would not significantly alter the political landscape in Israel or sway public opinion about the government’s actions.
