UK: New PM Faces Pro-Palestine Backlash Over Chief of Staff Appointment

LONDON (International Desk) — Less than a month into office, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing sharp criticism over his cabinet appointments and policies, with the naming of James Purnell as his new Chief of Staff drawing particular scrutiny. Purnell served as chairman of Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) from 2002 to 2004, and his past role as chief executive of lobbying firm Flint Global has added to the controversy.
Councillor Jonathan Percival, deputy leader of the Greens on Tower Hamlets Council, told Anadolu Agency it is “absolutely clear” where Burnham’s priorities lie, calling for an end to UK arms sales to Israel. He noted that the council passed a divestment resolution against arms companies implicated in genocide 18 months ago.
Unison branch secretary Carrie Ann called on the government to take a much tougher stance, urging a serious boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) regime against Israel, describing the government’s current approach as “unacceptably soft.” Local pensioner John McLaughlin voiced concern over pension funds being invested in companies linked to Israel, calling it “deeply disappointing.”
Before taking office, Burnham had apologised for Labour’s initial response to the situation in Gaza, calling it “very painful.” In an interview with The Guardian, he signalled plans to increase pressure on the Israeli government — including further sanctions on individuals and entities and a possible ban on trade with illegal settlements — describing events in Gaza as “unbearable suffering” and “a stain on our collective conscience.” He confirmed that measures against West Bank settlements remain under active consideration.