Labour leadership candidate signals tougher policy on Israel over Gaza

The MP for Makerfield, expected to take over as prime minister next week, issued a video on social media apologizing for the party's past response to Israel's military action in Gaza and pledged stronger pressure on the Israeli government. The MP said the party needs to "do better" under his leadership as he seeks to win back voters who abandoned the party over its position on Gaza.

He stated that the response has too often not been good enough and that the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire.

Policy shift outlined The MP said he would put more pressure on the Israeli government through sanctions on both individuals and entities. He stopped short of calling the attacks on Gaza "a genocide" and said it must be for international courts to determine whether war crimes have been committed.

The MP praised some actions taken by the previous government, including recognizing Palestine as a state and sanctioning Israeli ministers who supported extremist settlers. He also condemned the 7 October attacks on Israel as well as terrorist attacks on synagogues and Jews in Golders Green in London and Heaton Park in Manchester.

Leadership transition Nominations opened on Thursday to replace the current leader of the Labour Party, with the Makerfield MP the only candidate coming forward. A series of Labour MPs posted their nomination forms for him on X in a sign of solidarity.

" A number of MPs have been suspended during the last two years over disagreements on welfare, child benefit and jury trials.