SNP advocates for renewed parliamentary vote on Gaza ceasefire

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Feb 2024 21:13
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The move poses a new challenge for the Speaker and the Labour Party following the disorderly scenes in Parliament last week.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons during a debate on a ceasefire in Gaza on February 22 (AFP)

The Scottish National Party (SNP) is reportedly set to seek another vote on a Gaza ceasefire this week, presenting a new challenge for Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and the Labour Party in the aftermath of the tumultuous scenes in the Commons last Wednesday.

Hoyle faced calls for resignation following his unprecedented decision to allow Labour to propose a vote during an SNP debate advocating for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, leading to a walkout by Conservative and Scottish Nationalist MPs.

SNP's Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, announced the initiative, expressing the intention to shift the focus away from the Westminster commotion to the essential matter of actively working toward an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

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Following criticism that the initial motion was merely symbolic, with the voting preferences of UK MPs unlikely to have a significant impact on resolving the war, Flynn stated his intention to urge the UK Parliament to support tangible measures aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire.

While the SNP has expressed willingness to engage in discussions with other parties regarding the motion's content, potential actions could involve urging the UK to exert diplomatic pressure, leveraging its position on the UN Security Council to actively support a ceasefire, as opposed to previous instances of abstaining from such votes.

Additionally, the motion might call for a freeze on arms sales to "Israel".

Flynn said, “While the appalling spectacle at Westminster has been deeply unedifying, some progress has been made. Public and SNP pressure has forced the next prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, into a U-turn – now we need to work together to force the UK government to change its position too.”

On Thursday last week, Hoyle extended an emergency debate opportunity to the SNP under standing order 24, a provision used sparingly each year. Typically, such debates involve a motion in neutral terms that doesn't obligate the government, making Hoyle's handling of the SNP's motion subject to close examination.

In 2019, amid the parliamentary disputes over Brexit, former Speaker John Bercow sparked controversy by permitting an emergency debate on a substantial motion, essentially enabling MPs to assume control of the Commons timetable.

The SNP has stated its intention to release the particulars of the motion, outlining concrete actions, on Monday. This follows discussions with the speaker regarding the precise terms of a debate and vote.