Commons descends into chaos as Keir Starmer swerves Gaza ceasefire rebellion

21 February 2024 , 19:07

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Protesters demanding a ceasefire gathered outside Parliament as the vote took place (Image: Getty Images)

The Commons descended into chaos as Keir Starmer swerved a major rebellion over demands for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle came close to tears as he apologised to MPs amid angry scenes after he helped the Labour leader dodge a revolt. Mr Starmer had faced the threat of frontbenchers resigning so they could back an SNP-led motion demanding an "immediate ceasefire" and highlighting the "collective punishment" of Palestinians.

But Sir Linsday broke convention to allow a Labour amendment to be voted on that called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” that must be observed by “all sides”. It was ultimately passed on the nod without a vote after some SNP MPs stormed out of the chamber in extraordinary scenes and the Government announced it would boycott proceedings.

MPs last night sought revenge as 33 Tory and SNP MPs tabled a motion of no confidence in Sir Lindsay and warned they could break precedent by standing against him in his Chorley constituency at the next election.

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt claimed Sir Lindsay had "hijacked" the debate and "undermined the confidence" of the House. A furious SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn urged the Speaker to return to the chamber to explain his decision shortly before the vote was due to be held, shouting: "Where is the Speaker of the House of Commons?"

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Sir Lindsay later appeared and told MPs: "I regret how it's ended up. It was not my intention. I wanted all to ensure they could express their views and all sides of the House could vote."

He added: "That was never my intention for it to end like this. I was absolutely convinced that the decision was done with the right intentions. I recognise the strength of feeling of members on this issue." But SNP MPs continued to shout: “Resign!”

The Lib Dem leader Ed Davey last night said: “Today’s debate should have been about Parliament coming together with one voice on this horrific conflict. Instead it’s turned into an embarrassing row about the selection of amendments."

Earlier in the day, Sir Lindsay had been warned by the House of Commons Clerk over his unprecedented decision, with the senior official saying he felt "compelled to point out that long-established conventions are not being followed in this case".

But the Speaker had told MPs: "This is a highly sensitive subject on which feelings are running high, in the House, in the nation, and throughout the world. I think it is important on this occasion that the House is able to consider the widest possible range of options."

Speaking in the debate, Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy said "all violence against civilians must stop". He added: "That is why Labour is saying unequivocally that we need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to end the bloodshed and the suffering." The heated debate took place as pro-Palestine protesters marched outside Parliament.

Following the debate, Mr Starmer accused the Tories and SNP of "choosing political games over serious solutions". In a statement, he said: "Today was a chance for Parliament to unite and speak with one voice on the horrendous situation in Gaza and Israel.

"It was in that spirit that Labour put forward an amendment calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. One that that will last, that would require both sides to observe it, that would demand hostages are returned, that aid gets into Gaza, that said Israel has a right to be protected against a repeat of October 7th and - crucially - that requires a road map for a two-state solution. It is a serious plan for such an incredibly serious situation.

"Unfortunately, the Conservatives and the SNP decided to walk out hand-in-hand, refusing to vote on this serious matter, yet again choosing political games over serious solutions. It is clear the only party with a plan for the challenges facing Britain - whether here or abroad - is Labour. And it is clearer than ever that it is only Labour that will put country over party and silly political games in order to deliver.