Commons Speaker accused of ‘party politics’ over Gaza ceasefire vote
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, is facing backlash and calls for resignation after granting a vote on Labour’s Gaza ceasefire motion. This move has been criticized as playing “party politics” and breaking with convention. The decision sparked fury from SNP and Conservative MPs, who accused Sir Lindsay of prioritizing party interests over his obligation to be impartial.
The controversy arose during a debate allocated to the Scottish National Party (SNP), during which they are allowed to put forward motions for debate and vote. The SNP tabled a motion calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and an end to the “collective punishment of the Palestinian people.” Labour, which has recently shifted its stance on the conflict, tabled an amendment that also supported an immediate humanitarian ceasefire but acknowledged that Israel cannot be expected to cease fighting if Hamas continues with violence.
Sir Lindsay’s decision to allow a vote on Labour’s amendment to the SNP’s motion broke with tradition in such Commons debates. He stated that he wanted to give MPs the opportunity to vote on a wide range of propositions and expressed concerns about threats to MPs’ security over the issue. However, he was accused of allowing the vote to be “hijacked” by Labour, leading some SNP and Tory MPs to walk out in protest.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield claimed that the decision was made “under undue pressure” from Labour and accused Sir Lindsay of prioritizing party politics over his impartiality as Speaker. However, both Labour and a source close to the Speaker denied these allegations.
The move by Sir Lindsay meant that Labour MPs could call for a ceasefire without supporting a differently-worded SNP motion, limiting the potential for a Labour rebellion. This decision has led to 56 Tory and SNP MPs signing a motion expressing no confidence in Sir Lindsay. The Speaker is now due to meet with parties for clear-the-air talks.
While there is no formal mechanism for MPs to oust the Speaker, it is convention that they should have the confidence of the main parties in the Commons. Some MPs have signed an early day motion expressing no confidence in Sir Lindsay, while others have accepted his apology and do not plan to ask for a vote of confidence.
The controversy surrounding the Gaza ceasefire vote has highlighted divisions within Parliament over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faced a major revolt in November when 56 of his MPs, including 10 frontbenchers, defied him to back an SNP motion urging an immediate ceasefire.
The situation remains tense, with MPs from different parties expressing their discontent with the Speaker’s decision. The fallout from this vote is likely to have lasting implications for the relationship between parties and the Speaker’s role in maintaining impartiality in the House of Commons.