Stephen Flynn calls for collaboration to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel after chaotic scenes in Parliament.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has renewed its call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, urging opposition party leaders Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey to back a fresh motion after a previous attempt was marred by heated exchanges and calls for the Speaker of the House of Commons to resign.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has written to both Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, asking for their support to ensure an immediate ceasefire is put in place. This follows a chaotic parliamentary session last week, where the SNP’s motion for a ceasefire was blocked due to an unexpected change in parliamentary rules following talks between the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and Sir Keir Starmer.

In response to the disruption, Speaker Hoyle publicly apologised to the SNP, offering the party a chance to resubmit their motion. The SNP’s new proposal calls for the UK government to use its position on the UN Security Council to push for an immediate ceasefire and to follow the guidance of independent UN experts on halting all transfers of military equipment to Israel.

Stephen Flynn stated: “After the shameful scenes at Westminster last week, it’s vital the UK Parliament urgently focuses on what really matters—doing everything we can to help secure an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace in Gaza and Israel. The UK government is not doing nearly enough to secure one, despite its significant role as a defence partner and member of the UN Security Council.”

The SNP’s proposal aims to pressurise the UK government to adopt a more active stance in the ceasefire debate, arguing that, as a key ally of Israel and a global power, the UK holds the necessary leverage to influence an end to the conflict. Flynn added, “The devastation in Gaza worsens daily, with innocent lives being lost, homes destroyed, and civilians facing starvation. The time for empty words has passed; it’s time for real action.”

The SNP’s actions are credited with forcing Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider his stance on an immediate ceasefire, and the party is now seeking to build broad support in Parliament, calling for MPs to unite in pressuring Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to change his position as well.