Controversy Over Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle's Role Cleared
The Scottish National Party (SNP) asserts Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle should not remain in his position.
This followed a tumultuous night in the Commons triggered by a heated discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. SNP’s leader in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, criticized the proceedings on Thursday as farcical.
Hoyle's decision to enable a vote on a Labour amendment incited anger from SNP and Tory MPs, claiming he breached parliamentary protocol. In his defense, Hoyle stated he prioritized the safety of MPs and took responsibility for his decision.
Timeline of Events:
- Sir Keir Starmer faced a Labour rebellion on 15 November 2023, with resignations over an SNP ceasefire motion.
- The SNP introduced another immediate ceasefire motion in Gaza on 21 February 2024.
- Labour, under constituent pressure, supported a ceasefire and proposed an amendment.
- The government proposed its ceasefire amendment.
- Typically, an opposition amendment isn’t voted on with a government amendment present, but the Speaker allowed Labour’s to be voted on first.
- This catalyzed accusations from the Tories and SNP of undue assistance to Sir Keir.
- Conservatives, protesting the decision, withdrew from the vote, followed by SNP members.