Britain must ‘stand against injustice’ over West Bank settlements, PM Burnham says
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended his government's decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, citing a commitment to international justice. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, which retaliated by closing the British consulate in East Jerusalem.
Why it matters
This policy shift represents a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the UK and Israel, reflecting broader international debates over the two-state solution.
Britain had to “stand for something”, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told parliament on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) in a defence of his government’s decision to block imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Mr. Burnham, who has been in the job since July, said Britain had long endorsed the two-state solution in the West Asia, but words needed to be backed by action.
“Leadership is about taking action where there is injustice, where we need to correct unfairness, people being driven out of their homes,” he said.
“In this difficult and dangerous world, Britain has to stand for something.”
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