Government and SNP condemn Speaker Lindsay Hoyle for his handling of the Gaza ceasefire debate.
The government and the Scottish National Party (SNP) criticized Hoyle for allowing a vote that helped the opposition Labour Party avoid a rebellion within its ranks over its position on Israel’s war on Gaza.
The debate was initiated by the SNP, calling for an “immediate ceasefire,” but amendments from Labour and the Conservatives sought an “immediate humanitarian pause” with conditions. Hoyle’s decision to allow both amendments for a vote, breaking with precedent, led to chaos, with lawmakers walking out and the Labour amendment eventually approved verbally without a formal vote.
The situation in the UK’s House of Commons surrounding Speaker Lindsay Hoyle’s handling of the Gaza ceasefire vote has led to significant political turmoil and accusations of a constitutional crisis. One member of parliament accused Hoyle, a former Labour lawmaker, of causing such a crisis.
The government, represented by Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt, strongly criticized Hoyle for what they perceived as his interference in the debate. Mordaunt accused Hoyle of “hijacking” the proceedings and undermining the confidence of the House. In response, the government decided to pull out of the proceedings altogether.
Hoyle’s decision to allow both the Labour and Conservative amendments for a vote, departing from established precedent, was seen as a move to prevent a potential split within the Labour Party over the SNP motion. This decision, while helping Labour avoid internal discord, has sparked outrage from other parties.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, initially supportive of Israel’s actions in the conflict, has come under mounting pressure from both Labour lawmakers and party members to back an immediate ceasefire. The SNP’s motion, which initiated the debate, was not voted on at all due to the chaotic circumstances surrounding Hoyle’s decisions.
Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett, reporting from London, described the outcome of Wednesday’s vote as a “real farce.” The approval of the Labour amendment occurred because no Conservatives participated in the vote, leaving the SNP motion unaddressed. The SNP and Conservatives expressed fury over the situation, viewing it as a procedural nightmare that compromised the seriousness of the debate on civilian life in Gaza.
In summary, the handling of the Gaza ceasefire vote has resulted in significant political discord within the House of Commons, with accusations of procedural irregularities and a lack of seriousness in addressing a crucial international issue.