A week of chaos in the House of Commons resulted in more than 60 MPs calling for Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s resignation. It all began on Wednesday when the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) was granted an opposition day. This meant the party could propose a motion for debate, with the government allowed to suggest amendments. However, Sir Lindsay Hoyle allowed a vote on a Labour motion for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza. This move was against parliamentary convention and the Speaker was criticized by his decision.
The Speaker stated that he allowed the vote so MPs could express their view on “the widest range of propositions,” but critics said it had allowed Labour to take over the Gaza debate. The Speaker’s decision meant Labour MPs could call for a ceasefire without backing the differently-worded SNP motion. Consequently, the Commons dissolved into chaos with shouting and some SNP and Conservative MPs walking out.
Sir Lindsay has since apologized twice for “making the wrong decision.” However, it has not stopped the calls for his resignation. More than 60 MPs have called for him to step down following the parliamentary debacle. Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party, found himself in an awkward position. He could not back the SNP motion, which had the potential to divide his party. Still, he also could not be seen to vote against a motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The chaos
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