Keir Starmer’s manoeuvring averts vote on Gaza ceasefire amid speaker’s apology and threats of resignation

In a dramatic turn of events at the Commons, chaos erupted as Labour leader Keir Starmer sidestepped a potential rebellion over demands for a Gaza ceasefire. The Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, found himself at the centre of a storm of criticism after facilitating Starmer’s move, prompting outrage among MPs.

Protesters advocating for a ceasefire assembled outside Parliament, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The day witnessed tumultuous scenes and heightened tensions, with calls for the Speaker’s resignation echoing through the chamber.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, visibly emotional, issued apologies to MPs amid the tumultuous aftermath of aiding Starmer in avoiding a revolt. The Labour leader faced pressure from within his party, with frontbenchers threatening resignation to support an SNP-led motion demanding an “immediate ceasefire” and condemning the “collective punishment” of Palestinians.

Despite conventional norms, Sir Lindsay permitted a Labour amendment calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to be voted on, which passed without a formal vote. This decision incited further uproar, with some SNP MPs storming out of the chamber, and the Government opting to boycott proceedings.

In the wake of these events, 33 Tory and SNP MPs moved a motion of no confidence against Sir Lindsay, signalling a brewing storm within the Commons. Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt lambasted the Speaker, accusing him of “hijacking” the debate and eroding the House’s confidence.

The fury extended to SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who demanded Sir Lindsay’s presence in the chamber to explain his decision, amidst chants of “Resign!” from SNP MPs.

Addressing the tumultuous session, Sir Lindsay expressed regret over the outcome, asserting that his intentions were misunderstood. However, SNP MPs persisted in their calls for his resignation.

Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, emphasized the need to halt violence against civilians, reiterating Labour’s call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to end the bloodshed and suffering. The debate unfolded against the backdrop of pro-Palestine protests outside Parliament, underscoring the widespread concern over the Gaza conflict.

In a post-debate statement, Starmer accused the Tories and SNP of prioritizing political games over addressing the dire situation in Gaza. He reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to a comprehensive plan for a lasting ceasefire, emphasizing the need for all parties to adhere to it and outlining steps towards a two-state solution.

As tensions simmer within the Commons, the fallout from this extraordinary session reverberates, casting a shadow over the political landscape and raising questions about the Speaker’s role and the future direction of parliamentary discourse