British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed that the United Kingdom will not stand by as “horrific suffering” mounts across Gaza and the occupied West Bank. During his national address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burnham warned that the prospects for a two-state solution are currently under direct aggression.
Burnham highlighted that recent sanctions imposed against illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank serve as an explicit recognition that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful under international law. While referencing the October 7 Blitz, the Prime Minister emphasized that these events “does not justify the Israeli government's actions in Gaza or the West Bank,” noting that “far too many people have died, including so many children.”
The Prime Minister warned that global credibility and trust will disintegrate if international partners fail to support the two-state framework with decisive action. He stated, “We will not stand by as the horrific suffering continues to grow and the prospect of a two-state solution—the best hope for peace and stability for both nations—comes under attack.”
In addition to his remarks on the Middle East, Burnham announced that Britain is establishing an artificial intelligence defence alliance with the United States. This partnership is designed to “protect our critical national infrastructure,” with the Prime Minister noting that strategic decisions regarding such technology are too consequential to be left to chance.
Addressing security threats from Moscow, Burnham asserted that Britain would remain “relentless” in reinforcing its military deterrence and conventional hard power. He affirmed that the UK would refuse to engage in provocative rhetoric, stating, “Unlike Russia, we do not seek confrontation. Instead, we will be prepared but not panicked.”
