Sir Lindsay Hoyle: Speaker accused of 'party politics' over Gaza vote
The Commons Speaker is facing accusations of playing 'party politics' by granting a vote on Labour's Gaza ceasefire motion.
Accusations of Partisanship
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has been accused of playing 'party politics' for allowing a vote on Labour's Gaza ceasefire motion. This move has sparked fury from SNP and Conservative MPs, who claim that it breaks with convention.
The Speaker defended his decision by stating that he allowed the vote to protect the safety of MPs. However, the vote resulted in acrimony and Sir Lindsay later apologized for the situation.
Despite the apology, calls for Sir Lindsay's resignation persist. Health Minister Maria Caulfield accused the Speaker of putting party politics above his obligation to be impartial. However, both Labour and a source close to Sir Lindsay have denied these allegations.
Controversial Decision
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 supporting an immediate humanitarian ceasefire but also acknowledging that Israel cannot be expected to cease fighting if Hamas continues with violence.
Sir Lindsay broke with tradition by allowing a vote on Labour's amendment, rather than on the SNP's original motion. This decision limited the potential for a Labour rebellion since they could call for a ceasefire without backing the SNP motion.
Calls for Resignation
The controversy surrounding Sir Lindsay's decision has resulted in calls for his resignation. 56 Tory and SNP MPs have signed a motion expressing no confidence in the Speaker.
Sir Lindsay is scheduled to meet with parties to address the situation. However, there is no formal mechanism for MPs to oust the Speaker, so the outcome of these discussions remains uncertain.
Some MPs, like former Conservative minister Robert Buckland, have accepted Sir Lindsay's apology and are not seeking a vote of confidence. Others, like SNP MP Pete Wishart, believe that the position of the Speaker is untenable.
