Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Ceasefire in Gaza

21 February 2024 · 105 other contributors

Opened by Lindsay Hoyle Speaker Chorley

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Lindsay Hoyle raised concerns about ceasefire in gaza in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister proposed an amendment supporting Israel's right to self-defence against Hamas attacks in line with international humanitarian law.
  • Minister called for immediate steps to stop fighting, including a humanitarian pause, and the release of all hostages.
  • Minister stressed the need for a new Palestinian Government formation and a credible pathway to a two-state solution.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Response

Proposed an amendment that supports Israel’s right to self-defence in compliance with international humanitarian law against Hamas attacks and calls for immediate steps to stop fighting, including a humanitarian pause. He emphasised the need for all hostages to be released, a new Palestinian Government formation, and a credible pathway to two-state solution. The Government will play no further part in the decision this House takes on today’s proceedings. The Prime Minister's position is unchanged; they wish to see an end to fighting but oppose a ceasefire motion that may collapse back into conflict.

Other contributors (105)
  • Lindsay Hoyle Speaker Chorley

    The Speaker informed the House about the Scottish National party motion on Gaza, explaining that due to high sensitivity and wide-ranging opinions, he would select amendments from both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. He also mentioned a precedent for an official Opposition spokesperson moving their amendment before a Government minister speaks but noted that no Government amendment was tabled in that case. The Speaker further stated his intention to ask the Procedure Committee to review Standing Order No. 31, which he believes restricts options available to the House.

  • Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West

    Called for Bercow’s return, reflecting dissatisfaction with the current Speaker's handling of the debate.

  • Raised a point of order questioning the procedure set by the Speaker regarding the SNP’s Opposition day motion. He highlighted that this process has never been done before and sought clarification on how an Opposition day can serve its intended purpose under these conditions.

  • Raised another point of order, likely seeking further clarification or addressing concerns about the debate procedure.

  • Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West

    Encourages building consensus behind an opinion today rather than indulging in petty party politics, highlighting the need for unity and support for Palestinians.

  • Colum Eastwood SDLP Foyle

    Highlights UN High Commissioner for Human Rights statement accusing Israeli forces of egregious human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings and sexual violence. Urges Government to push for proper investigation and accountability.

  • Appeals for unity over the issue of principle facing Palestinians in Gaza; emphasises the need for all House members to show leadership against human rights abuses, urging solidarity and support.

  • Suggests that releasing hostages is the most certain way of ending conflict; criticises unconditional ceasefire proposals as leaving hostages at risk.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Questions the implications of an unconditional ceasefire, suggesting it could leave Israel vulnerable and potentially compromise hostage release efforts. Cites precedent where Israel released convicted criminals for soldier's return.

  • Agrees that international law is clear on self-defence being proportionate; argues that the death toll of 30,000 civilians, predominantly women and children, exceeds any reasonable threshold of proportionality.

  • Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield

    Emphasises the need for international alignment and criticises SNP's motion for not aligning with the majority of the international community, suggesting Labour’s amendment is more in line.

  • Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East

    Highlights the necessity to consider what action or sanctions would be taken against Israel if it ignores international opinion and proceeds with a ground offensive in Rafah, stressing the importance of consequences for such actions.

  • Points out that this House lacks operational control over combatants and suggests that the war will end when both sides are exhausted. Criticises Hamas's use of human shields.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Suggested that a Liberal Democrat amendment, which answered positively to the points raised, was not selected for debate. She urged her party to vote for amendments pushing for peace and questioned whether the debate could have been better coordinated.

  • Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

    Expressed support for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the recognition of Palestine. She urged the Government to urgently ramp up aid going into Gaza once a ceasefire is in place.

  • Agreed on the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire but stressed that it must be in line with a clear political framework for a two-state solution, referencing UK-drafted UN Security Council resolution 242. He questioned whether Labour's amendment was vague about what state recognition means.

  • Emphasised the need to have this House vote today for an immediate ceasefire and highlighted that the international community must come together to insist on recognising the rights of Israelis and Palestinians, starting with a ceasefire.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    Asked why Labour prioritised ministerial severance over supporting people in Gaza when they had debated the issue just 16 days prior.

  • Andrew Mitchell Con Sutton Coldfield

    Stressed that the Government amendment should be supported to speak with one voice and proposed an amendment supporting Israel's right to self-defence, condemning Hamas actions, urging negotiations for a humanitarian pause, and stressing conditions necessary for a sustainable ceasefire.

  • Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

    Asked if the Government would offer asylum to 650 Christians held in the Holy Family church who are hostages of this situation, questioning the adequacy of a previous reply that only sought respite for them.

  • Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield

    Highlighted differences between Labour's amendment and the Government’s position, noting that Labour calls for an immediate ceasefire while the Government only call for a 'pause', and questions what is wrong with Labour's stance.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Asked for a response from the Government regarding interim decisions made by the International Court of Justice, which called for an immediate unilateral halt to hostilities by Israel against Gaza.

  • Jim McMahon Lab Co-op Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton

    No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.

  • Colum Eastwood SDLP Foyle

    Asked for more information on sanctions against extremist violent settlers and what has been said to Netanyahu about a future Palestinian state, highlighting the necessity of such discussions for any truce or ceasefire.

  • Jim McMahon Lab Co-op Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton

    Expressed concerns about the Government's stance on the Rafah ground offensive and urged for clarity regarding Israel’s military actions.

  • Robert Jenrick Reform Newark

    Asked whether the government's support for Israel would leave Hamas partially intact, suggesting this could send a message that using human shields works. He also questioned how to address the situation if hostages were released by Hamas.

  • Inquired about discussions with Israeli Government regarding hostage release and subsequent withdrawal of Israel from Gaza, as well as potential steps towards peace.

  • Called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the disproportionate and indiscriminate nature of Israeli attacks against civilians. She emphasised that collective punishment is a war crime and urged Britain to revoke all arms licences to Israel based on international law.

  • Emphasised the need for peace in the context of freedom from conflict, oppression, terror, persecution, destitution, arbitrary justice, hope, dignity, enforceable rights, self-determination, and economic wellbeing. He also stressed the importance of a two-state solution and international security guarantees.

  • Welcomed the debate but criticised the fragmentation within Parliament over the matter, suggesting that a more unified approach is needed. Emphasised the importance of Israel's right to defend itself and highlighted the need for clear governance plans before military operations commence. Criticised both sides for their actions and called for a ceasefire agreement with detailed terms including buffer zones, no-fly zones, and international monitoring teams.

  • Focused on the risks taken by humanitarian aid workers, health workers, and journalists in Gaza. Highlighted the illegal nature of targeting these groups as stated by the World Medical Association and called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of civilian lives.

  • Theresa Villiers Con Chipping Barnet

    Calls for the Government to use all diplomatic means possible but not an immediate unilateral ceasefire due to Hamas's aggressive stance and hostage situation. Emphasises that a sustainable solution requires the defeat of Hamas, release of hostages, and end to their capacity for terror.

  • Martin Docherty SNP Dunfermline and West Fife

    Critiques the Government's delayed response and lack of restraint towards Israel. Questions why 153 nations support an immediate ceasefire while Britain does not. Highlights the need for justice and peace in Palestine.

  • Michael Ellis Con Canterbury

    Affirms that the SNP motion fails to recognise reality, stating Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas. Condemns political grandstanding and emphasises Israel's responsibility as a democracy. Criticises accusations of war crimes.

  • Anum Qaisar Lab Slough

    Reiterated that Jewish people are not the Israeli Government and Muslims are not Hamas. Highlighted the continuous bombing of Gaza, including hospitals, homes, churches, mosques, UN schools, refugee camps, and factories by F-35 stealth bombers whose parts are made in British factories. Suggested suspending arms export licences to Israel as per precedent set in 2014. Criticised the UK for continuing to sell arms to Israel despite human rights abuses. Advocated for an immediate ceasefire.

  • Martin Docherty SNP West Dunbartonshire

    Agreed with Anum Qaisar's stance and highlighted that the debate was about ending systematic oppression of Palestinian people, regardless of party or semantics. Referred to Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement in 2019 implying there is no partner for peace during their lifetime.

  • Stephen Crabb Con Beckenham

    Stressed the need to address antisemitism and the pressure on MPs to follow a specific wording about a ceasefire. Advocated for an immediate release of hostages as a potential step towards ending violence. Criticised the SNP’s motion for not mentioning sexual violence against Israeli women or Hamas's guilt.

  • Carol Monaghan SNP Glasgow

    Read out an email from a Jewish constituent urging for an immediate ceasefire due to the loss of life and displacement in Gaza. Emphasised that Israel’s actions amount to collective punishment and urged the UK Government to adhere to international law.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Supports the Government's moderate amendment, advocating for a ceasefire that releases hostages and removes Hamas leadership from Gaza. Urges unity in condemning Hamas’s activities while supporting moderates who seek peace.

  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    Calls for an immediate ceasefire to deliver lifesaving aid, condemns the high rate of civilian deaths, and criticises the UK Government's response as lacking. Urges action based on humanitarian grounds.

  • Supports motions calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire or ceasefire to release hostages and provide aid. Calls for international donors’ conference for Palestine, emphasising the need for hard-edged diplomacy towards a two-state solution.

  • John Nicolson SNP Nairn, Aberdeenshire and Moray

    Describes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with high civilian death tolls and urges the House to call for an immediate ceasefire out of moral obligation. Criticises silence as tacit acceptance of Israel's actions.

  • Kit Malthouse Con North West Hampshire

    The Conservative MP expressed his experiences from an emotional cross-party visit to Israel and Palestine, highlighting the futility of military actions against Hamas. He emphasised that security for both Israelis and Palestinians is intertwined and essential for future peace. Malthouse criticised the UK's lack of clarity on ceasefire terms and called for immediate cessation of violence, return of hostages, and aid delivery into Gaza.

  • Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton

    The Independent MP voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire based on the Opposition amendment. He emphasised the need to call for a ceasefire involving both sides, ensuring that Hamas lays down their arms as well. He stressed the importance of ending violence, getting aid into Gaza, implementing ICJ provisional rulings, and achieving a two-state solution.

  • The MP corrected the notion that he was playing party politics since he is not in any political party. This clarification stems from an intervention made during the debate regarding accusations of partisanship.

  • Steve Double unknown constituency

    The Conservative MP supported a ceasefire but emphasised that it must be agreed upon by both sides, especially Hamas laying down their weapons. He criticised the SNP motion for not condemning the actions of Hamas on 7 October and urged focus on Hamas as the main obstacle to peace.

  • Drew Hendry Lab Inverness N & Ross

    Agreed with the need to focus on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and questioned whether focusing too much on the wording of motions detracts from immediate action needed for peace.

  • Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham

    Argued that addressing only one side of the conflict is ineffective, suggesting a need to remove Hamas from Gaza to stop civilian casualties on both sides. Criticised the SNP motion for not mentioning Hamas's attack on October 7th.

  • Ian Paisley Jnr DUP North Antrim

    Emphasised that the conflict in Gaza is a consequence of Hamas's actions, including kidnappings and atrocities committed against Israelis. Criticised the SNP motion for failing to acknowledge these events.

  • Kirsten Oswald SNP West Tyrone

    Responded by reminding that all Members condemn Hamas’s despicable behaviour and call for hostages' release, while also criticising the conflation of issues in previous speeches as disrespectful to the subject.

  • Made a point of order regarding inappropriate language used during the debate, specifically being called an 'antisemite', highlighting the need for temperate discussion.

  • Rosena Allin-Khan Lab Tooting

    Returned from Egypt where humanitarian workers described the dire situation in Gaza, including lack of food, water, sanitation facilities, and medical supplies. An immediate ceasefire is needed to save lives.

  • War should be avoided but sometimes necessary; calls for an unconditional ceasefire now show naive judgment of the situation on the ground. Hamas bears responsibility for all deaths in this conflict, and their destruction is the only outcome that will secure a lasting peace.

  • The western world has turned a blind eye to the suffering of Palestinians; arms sales from this place used to murder innocent women and children make us complicit. Innocent lives are being wiped out in Gaza, families ripped apart, communities decimated. An immediate ceasefire is needed now.

  • Mark Logan Lab Bolton West

    I want, my constituents want and Gaza needs an immediate ceasefire. Israel has gone too far, and the better friend says ‘No, this must stop now; this must stop today.’ A ceasefire must happen now. In my own good conscience, I cannot acquiesce to the Government’s position on Gaza anymore.

  • Alan Brown SNP Central Ayrshire

    This call for an immediate ceasefire is about limiting the horrific slaughter to 30,000 civilians and stopping more from being killed. Currently, one in six children under two are suffering from malnutrition, and 90% of children under five are affected by infectious diseases. Aid is available but blocked by Israel.

  • Anna Firth Con Dover

    I believe that everyone wants to see peace in the middle east, and we all want the killing to stop. The motion ignores the fact that Hamas is still holding more than 100 innocent Israelis captive in Gaza. It must be a sustainable ceasefire contingent on the release of hostages.

  • Angus MacNeil SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    There can be no room for hate, and we all condemn antisemitism but also see where anti-Palestinianism has led. The Labour amendment supports efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire, not just calling for it. No more killing of people.

  • Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South

    The SNP motion calls for an immediate ceasefire to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. However, the Labour Party has tabled an amendment that understands Israel cannot cease fighting while Hamas continues violence and holds hostages. The amendment demands all Palestinian civilians be protected, Hamas disarm, hostages freed, international community act, and supports genuine progress towards a two-state solution.

  • Amy Callaghan Lab East Dunbartonshire

    The situation in Gaza is horrific with around 1.5 million people squeezed into Rafah after the Israeli Government declared it safe. Amy argues for an immediate ceasefire to end suffering, and criticises continuous bombing of civilians and movement from one unsafe zone to another. She calls on colleagues to vote for the SNP motion.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    The hon. Member believes a ceasefire is necessary due to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and Israel, with 30,000 civilian deaths. He supports the SNP motion for an immediate ceasefire, rejecting false equivalence between Hamas and IDF.

  • Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield

    The amendment tabled by Labour calls for an end to the ground offensive in Rafah, rapid humanitarian relief, demands an end to settlement expansion and violence, urges Israel to comply with ICJ verdicts, and supports a two-state solution. The Government motion only calls for a pause, which is not enough.

  • Ian Blackford SNP Ross, Skye and Lochaber

    Reflects on the speeches heard during the debate, emphasising the need for an end to the fighting now. Acknowledges the responsibility of being a member of the UN Security Council and the importance of supporting Israel while also pushing for peace in Gaza. Emphasises the necessity of ending needless civilian deaths.

  • Apsana Begum Lab Poplar and Limehouse

    Raises concerns about the lack of limits on the number of civilians killed in Gaza, questioning if there are any benchmarks for acceptable casualties. Criticises the mainstream UK political establishment's treatment of Palestinian life as unacceptable, denouncing dehumanisation and racism towards Palestinians.

  • Welcomes his sons' 18th birthday and hopes for a decision that will make the world better. Criticises the lack of consensus in the House regarding peace in Gaza, urging an end to bloodshed as the guiding principle.

  • Claire Hanna SDLP Belfast South and Mid Down

    Highlights the hellish context of Gaza's humanitarian crisis based on her background in relief and development agencies. Expresses solidarity with victims of Hamas attacks but condemns subsequent Israeli actions, advocating for a ceasefire to stop the killing and work towards a lasting settlement.

  • Kenny MacAskill SNP Central Edinburgh

    Israel is entitled to defend itself but has gone beyond what international law views as acceptable. The current actions are not a natural consequence of Hamas's evil and wicked deeds; they are deliberate attempts to make Gaza unliveable, which requires an immediate ceasefire and genuine peace. Britain must stop being complicit with the US and Israel and stand up for humanity.

  • Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    The UK's refusal to support calls for a ceasefire is shameful, causing reputational damage at home and abroad. Urges the Government to act on preventing loss of civilian life in Gaza through export bans of arms to Israel, diplomatic pressure, restoring UN funding, and providing treatment for injured Palestinian children.

  • Chris Stephens SNP Glasgow North East

    Asks Members to vote for an immediate ceasefire despite the International Criminal Court investigation into war crimes by Israel. Proposes halting arms sales through the arms trade treaty, noting public support for a ceasefire and the dire humanitarian situation in Rafah.

  • Nigel Evans Con Central Fylde

    No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Draws lessons from counter-insurgency campaigns, arguing for distinguishing the terrorists from innocents, using proportionality in response, and planning post-conflict scenarios. Emphasises the moral duty to support a ceasefire and criticises UK's ineffectual and damaging response.

  • Sam Tarry Lab Ilford South

    The deaths of innocent civilians are horrifying. The subsequent actions of IDF have gone beyond self-defence, with unimaginable carnage and collapse of humanitarian system leading to thousands dying daily. Repeated chilling remarks from Israeli Government Ministers indicate a denial of two-state solution; an immediate ceasefire is necessary.

  • Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East

    An immediate ceasefire must be backed by all, saving civilian lives and allowing aid to enter Gaza. The UN Secretary-General, majority Governments, Oxfam, Amnesty International, and three quarters of British public support this. The time is now for our Government to use every diplomatic channel for an immediate ceasefire.

  • Tahir Ali Lab Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley

    Supporting a two-state solution requires actions beyond words; an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and recognition of Palestinian statehood is necessary. The ICJ ruling on plausible genocide in Gaza means the British Government must end arms sales to Israel.

  • Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East

    For 137 days, tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed. Entire families have been wiped out by intense bombing that has spared no one. Israeli forces have opened fire on unarmed civilians in hospitals, queues for aid lorries and fishing boats. They have killed children, such as six-year-old Hind Rajab—her desperate call to the Palestine Red Crescent Society should haunt us all. The UN has expressed serious concern about the detention of women and girls, with credible reports of degrading treatment and sexual violence by Israeli soldiers. People have lost everything they own.

  • I welcome the clear calls for an immediate ceasefire in the SNP motion tabled today, as that is what is required. A sustainable ceasefire must be achieved to stop the killing and bring humanitarian aid. Hostages and prisoners must be released, and arms export licences to Israel should cease. The conflict has a disproportionate impact on women and children, with over 70% of those killed being women and children.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    The House has not covered itself in glory today due to delays. The Israeli forces have dropped 29,000 bombs on Gaza since the conflict began. This represents a total destruction of society, life and hope in Gaza. The International Court of Justice demanded an immediate ceasefire, which has not happened. A ceasefire is essential but must go further to end the occupation, stop settlement policy and recognise the plight of Palestinian refugees.

  • A ceasefire is needed, but releasing hostages is a major block to achieving it. We should support talks in Egypt, Qatar, and at the UN for practical negotiations. Criticising Israeli actions is valid, but we must not ignore what happened on 7 October. A more practical approach is required rather than sanctimonious lectures.

  • Claudia Webbe SNP Not specified

    More than 1,000 children have lost limbs without anaesthetic due to bombings that destroyed healthcare facilities. Israel has been accused by UN Human Rights Office of arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and public humiliation. The UK Government has issued over 27 arms licences to Israel despite the ongoing conflict, which is exacerbating famine and disease in Gaza where food and water are severely restricted.

  • Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East

    Since the last vote for a ceasefire, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed and more than a million displaced. Nearly half of Gaza’s population is starving with food and water restricted. More than 11,000 of those killed are children who have never known peace in their lives. The international community has not responded adequately to protect these children from death and destruction.

  • Zarah Sultana Lab Coventry South

    An American doctor described Gaza as a scene of annihilation with 1.5 million displaced Palestinians, hospitals being bombed every few minutes, and medical equipment such as barbed wire used for amputations. Over 29,000 Palestinians have been killed including over 10,000 children who were shot by snipers while returning home. The Israeli Government has said they would make Gaza uninhabitable which is now happening.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    The war in Gaza and the West Bank involves illegal settler occupation, demolished homes, and hostilities that must end immediately. An immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid surge, hostage release, and cessation of home demolitions are necessary. There should be recognition of Palestine's statehood and resolution of contested holy sites in Jerusalem.

  • Michael Shanks Lab Rutherglen

    The list of babies killed in Gaza is heartbreaking, and the debate should consider all innocents caught up in conflict. There is a need for a ceasefire but it must be detailed rather than symbolic. The politics has become debased by focusing on headlines instead of substance.

  • Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

    Returned from Israel and Palestine, met hostage families and displaced Palestinians, urging for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Emphasised the need for peace despite the horror of the conflict.

  • Condemned atrocities committed by Hamas and Israel against innocent people, highlighted stories of victims including pregnant women and children, emphasising the need for a ceasefire to prevent further deaths.

  • Penny Mordaunt Con Lewes

    Critiques the Speaker's decision to insert himself into a row and expresses concern that the current view of weak leadership has undermined confidence in the House's ability to rely on its Standing Orders. Asks for reassurance from the Speaker.

  • Explains the voting procedure if the Government does not move their amendment and outlines how the debate will proceed. Assures that if the Labour amendment is passed, it would amend the SNP motion.

  • Lucy Powell Lab Co-op Manchester Central

    Supports Mr Speaker's intention to allow maximum options for voting. Points out that the Conservative party appears to be defending the Scottish National party and criticises Government Members for shouting down speakers.

  • Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South

    Emphasises the importance of the debate on civilian deaths in Gaza and calls for clarity from the Speaker regarding voting procedures. Insists that the SNP motion should be voted on first as per Standing Order 31.

  • Karen Bradley Con Staffordshire Moorlands

    Seeks guidance on whether they should revert to Standing Order 31 since there is now only one amendment, if the Government's amendment is not moved.

  • Expresses disappointment in Mr Speaker’s actions and asks for advice regarding an early-day motion tabled by himself and colleagues to address the issue at hand.

  • Owen Thompson SNP Midlothian

    Raises confusion over voting procedures, especially given that if the Labour amendment is passed it would amend the SNP motion, potentially removing all text of their original motion and preventing a vote on the SNP's proposal.

  • Philip Davies Con Bradford West

    Called into question the integrity of Mr Speaker, alleging that he was under pressure from Labour to call a vote on an amendment concerning Gaza. Asked for assurance regarding investigation into the allegations.

  • Rebuffed claims made by Philip Davies, stating that they were incorrect and not true. Assured that Mr Speaker will be present in his place tomorrow to address any concerns.

  • Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South

    Pressed for information on the whereabouts of Mr Speaker and suggested suspending the House until he arrives.

  • Asked directly where Mr Speaker was, following previous points of order regarding his absence.

  • Angela Eagle Lab Wallasey

    Called for adherence to historical parliamentary traditions and criticised the current Government for ignoring Opposition day debates. Questioned the legitimacy of not taking part in votes.

  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Stated that the House's procedures have fallen into chaos due to decisions made by Mr Speaker earlier today. Requested an immediate explanation from Mr Speaker.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Referenced a previous Conservative vote on a Liberal Democrat motion, arguing against the current Government's refusal to participate in Opposition day debates. Emphasised the importance of maintaining confidence in parliamentary democracy.

  • Expressed concern about the weaponisation of debate and the impact it has on Members' behaviour due to fear for their safety or that of their families.

  • Neil O'Brien Con Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

    Believed that the SNP had been treated unfairly in voting procedures. Suggested deferring Divisions until issues could be resolved and Mr Speaker was present to address them.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Stated the intention to vote for the Labour amendment but would also have voted for the SNP motion, ensuring constituents were informed of his position.

  • Karen Bradley Con Staffordshire Moorlands

    Highlighted differences between previous Conservative amendments and current circumstances, expressing confusion over why they are not returning to Standing Order No. 31 precedence.

  • Moves that the House sit in private, and a division is called.

  • Requests the Serjeant at Arms to investigate the delay in the Lobbies.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy