Yesterday was a Scottish National Party (SNP) opposition day, meaning that they have an opportunity to table a motion and record a vote. It is common practice that the Government tables an amendment, and depending on the technicality of the motion whether an actual vote is held.
Yesterday was different. The Labour Party tabled an amendment too, and Mr Speaker, drawn from Labour ranks, broke convention and ignored the warnings of the clerks.
Despite the Speaker breaking further convention, the Labour Party's amendment was voted on first, effectively erasing the SNP's motion. This move was seen as an attempt to conceal divisions within the Labour Party regarding calls for a ceasefire.
The Government withdrew its amendment, leading to the SNP and many Conservatives walking out. A motion to sit in private (this is a parliamentary tool to either check how many MPs are on site, or to delay events to avoid a decision) was rejected, and the Labour motion was approved on voices alone. Despite audible voices in the Chamber, no physical division (a vote) was called.
Whilst an extraordinary number of constituents were demanding to see their MP’s and were waiting around Parliament yesterday, outside Parliament large pro-Palestine protests were taking place. Politics has become increasingly volatile, with myself and fellow colleagues enduring vile abuse, our homes and safe spaces violated and unacceptable threats to our safety. This must be addressed by the police and security services but democracy cannot be sacrificed in the process.
Despite all of this, we still need to see the hostages home. Hamas needs to be defeated, the killing to stop, aid to get through and a solution to the situation in the Middle East.