The SNP’s Westminster leader has said he will seek support from opposition parties in order to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel after a previous attempt dissolved into angry recriminations and demands for the Commons Speaker to resign in what were described as “shameful scenes”.
Stephen Flynn MP has written to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey calling on them to support a fresh motion.
The SNP has reached out to both parties to hold talks on the matter, the party said.
Last week, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle publicly apologised to the SNP, and offered the party an opportunity to hold a fresh vote, following chaotic scenes which saw MPs blocked from voting on the SNP’s motion for an immediate ceasefire due to an unprecedented change in the rules of Parliament following a meeting between the Speaker and Sir Keir.
Mr Flynn said: “After the shameful scenes at Westminster last week, it’s vital the UK Parliament urgently focuses on what really matters, doing everything we can to help secure an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace in Gaza and Israel.
“The SNP wants to move the debate forward with a fresh motion that focuses on the specific, practical, concrete steps the UK government must now take to help make an immediate ceasefire happen.
“As a key ally and defence trading partner of Israel, and a member of the UN Security Council, the UK has an important role to play but the UK government, which still opposes even calling for an immediate ceasefire, is not doing anywhere near enough to secure one.”
The party claim their actions “forced” Sir Keir to U-turn on his opposition to calling for an immediate ceasefire and said MPs must “work together” to get Rishi Sunak to do the same.
“The devastation in Gaza gets worse every day, with more innocent children, women and men killed, more homes bombed, and more civilians facing starvation.
“The time for warm words is over, the UK must use every lever at its disposal to help end this conflict and secure lasting peace.”
