Where does new UK premier Andy Burnham stand on Israel and antisemitism?

Andy Burnham has become Britain's new Labour prime minister, succeeding Keir Starmer. Burnham has cultivated close ties with the Jewish community, frequently speaking out against antisemitism and attending Holocaust commemorations, stating in 2019 that it was "inconceivable to me that a party which has prided itself on its record on racism could have become embroiled in an antisemitism crisis."

• He has consistently supported a two-state solution and opposed boycotts of Israel, while also advocating for an end to Israeli occupation and illegal settlement building.
• Following the October 7 Hamas attack, Burnham condemned the actions as "appalling" and affirmed Israel's right to self-defense, also ensuring increased police presence for Jewish communities.
• More recently, Burnham has become critical of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, calling for Britain to "do more to put pressure on the Israeli government," including considering restrictions on arms exports.
• His recent comments drew "significant concerns" from the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council regarding his framing of the conflict, though they welcomed his commitment to tackling antisemitism.