SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn calls on House of Commons to demand 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

The “horrors” in Gaza demand that the House of Commons calls for an immediate ceasefire in the region, SNP Westminster leader has said.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Stephen Flynn’s comments come after Parliament descended into chaos last week when Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle decided to allow a Labour amendment to an SNP motion on Gaza to go to a vote.

While apologising to MPs for the situation – which Hoyle said was prompted over concerns for members’ safety – the speaker last week offered another debate to the SNP, which had not been able to vote on its own motion in the first instance.

But on Monday, the request for a debate was turned down, with the speaker saying a statement from the Government on Tuesday would be sufficient.

On Wednesday, Flynn called again for the House of Commons to “demand an immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.

He told the Commons: “Thirty thousand people dead, 70,000 injured, 1.5 million sheltering in Rafah, 300,000 living in what is considered to be feral conditions in northern Gaza and of course 100 hostages still tragically held by Hamas.

“It is the horror of those numbers that demands that this House have its say, just as it is the horror of those numbers that show that this House should demand an immediate ceasefire.

“Now, President Biden has indicated that that ceasefire may take place as from Monday, does the Prime Minister share in his confidence.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded: “We have consistently called for an immediate humanitarian pause which would allow for the safe release of hostages, including British nationals, and more aid to reach Gaza.

“We welcome progress on a deal, as (Mr Flynn) said there has been progress, and urge everyone on all sides to seize the opportunity and I have been clear that we must seize the momentum from this terrible tragedy to find a lasting resolution to this conflict which delivers on the promise of a two state solution and ensures that Israelis and Palestinians can live in dignity and security.”