Burnham Takes Labour Helm With Israel Pressure Pledge

Andy Burnham was declared leader of Britain's governing Labour Party on Friday and is due to become prime minister Monday after Keir Starmer tenders his resignation to King Charles III. In his first speech as leader, Burnham said he was ready to govern, called for party unity and promised to move power away from Westminster while pursuing economic renewal and public control of key sectors. The transition matters for Israel because Burnham last week apologized for Labour's early Gaza-war stance and said Britain should consider additional pressure on Israel, including sanctions or limits on settlement goods. Starmer remains in office until Monday.