Chaos In Commons: Tories And SNP Walk Out In Fury Over Gaza Ceasefire Motion

Conservative and Scottish National Party (SNP) politicians staged a walkout from the Commons in protest after Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle made the controversial decision to select a Labour amendment on the SNP’s Gaza ceasefire motion, defying parliamentary convention and igniting a political firestorm.

The unexpected move by Hoyle to choose the Labour amendment, which calls for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” left MPs in disarray, with many accusing the Speaker of bias towards Labour.

The Labour amendment to the wording of the SNP’s motion, which emphasises a “two-sided” ceasefire, has been a point of contention, particularly for the SNP, which accuses Labour of diluting the urgency of calls for an “immediate ceasefire” and its explicit condemnation of the “collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

Hoyle’s choice has not only sparked a potential rebellion within Labour ranks but has also led to calls for his resignation. The Speaker defended his decision, suggesting it offered MPs the “widest possible range” of options in the crucial debate on Gaza, amidst one of the most volatile international crises in recent memory.

As the debate raged on, the chamber witnessed scenes of chaos, with members shouting “Shame on you!” at Hoyle.

Hoyle’s decision forced MPs to confront a significant deviation from the anticipated course of the debate, sparking outrage among SNP and Conservative members alike.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn was vocal in his frustration, demanding answers from Hoyle, who was notably absent from his chair during the heated exchange, asking: “Where on earth is the Speaker of the House of Commons?”

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt then announced the government would boycott the vote.

“The government will play no further part in the decision this House takes on today’s proceedings,” Mordaunt said.

Soon after, the Conservatives and SNP staged a mass walkout from the House.