Key facts
- Andy Burnham is expected to become the next UK Prime Minister.
- Burnham intends to increase pressure on Israel over its actions in Gaza.
- He has criticized the UK's initial response to the conflict and called for a stronger approach.
- Burnham suggested measures including sanctions and banning trade with illegal settlements.
- Burnham plans to decentralize power and focus on re-industrialization.
Andy Burnham, widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer as the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, has signaled his intention to exert greater pressure on Israel concerning its actions in Gaza. Burnham criticized the current government's initial response to the conflict, which began after an attack by Hamas, stating that the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire and must now "do more to strengthen our approach."
Burnham has proposed measures such as further sanctions on those involved in violence and a ban on trade with illegal settlements. His political platform also includes plans to decentralize power, establishing a new operation in Manchester called “No. 10 North” to increase funding and control for local leaders. He has pledged a 10-year mission for re-industrialization, aiming to safeguard sectors like energy, steel, and defence, and advocates for greater public control over utilities.
While many Labour supporters anticipate a continuation of green transition policies, there are calls for Burnham to support new North Sea oil and gas drilling. The director of the British Chambers of Commerce suggested exploiting these resources to prevent job losses, arguing it is more economical and environmentally friendly than importing liquid gas. This decision comes as the Labour government faces the choice of approving new drilling applications for the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil fields, which were previously challenged in court for failing to adequately assess climate impact.
Conversely, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has highlighted significant investment pledges in the green economy, totaling over $133 billion, primarily focused on offshore wind, solar power, and grid upgrades. However, some figures, like the general secretary of the Unite trade union, express skepticism about the net-zero agenda's impact on job creation, though data suggests the UK's net-zero economy has grown faster than the overall economy and generated higher-paying jobs.