Today, the SNP are bringing forward a motion to the House of Commons on a Ceasefire in Gaza. This is known as an Opposition Day debate where the Government allows opposition parties to decide a subject for debate.
The SNP motion calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel whilst also noting that the death toll has now risen beyond 28,000, the vast majority of whom were women and children. However, the SNP motion fails to recognise the Hamas attacks on Israel and does not acknowledge that there are a number of steps which need to happen to ensure a permanent and sustainable ceasefire.
As is common practice with Opposition Day debates, the Government have tabled their own amendment to the SNP motion, as have the other Opposition parties. The Government’s amendment is as follows:
That this House “supports Israel’s right to self-defence, in compliance with international humanitarian law, against the terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas; condemns the slaughter, abuse and gender-based violence perpetrated on 7 October 2023; further condemns the use of civilian areas by Hamas and others for terrorist operations; urges negotiations to agree an immediate humanitarian pause as the best way to stop the fighting and to get aid in and hostages out; supports moves towards a permanent sustainable ceasefire; acknowledges that achieving this will require all hostages to be released, the formation of a new Palestinian Government, Hamas to be unable to launch further attacks and to be no longer in charge in Gaza, and a credible pathway to a two-state solution which delivers peace, security and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians; expresses concern at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and at the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah; reaffirms the urgent need to significantly scale up the flow of aid into Gaza, where too many innocent civilians have died; and calls on all parties to take immediate steps to stop the fighting and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.”
I believe the Government amendment to the SNP motion is more comprehensive as it recognises Israel’s right to self-defence as well as the attacks by Hamas on 7 October. It also urges negotiations to agree an immediate humanitarian pause as the best way to stop the fighting and get aid in and hostages out. It also reiterates this Government’s support for a two-state solution and the formation of a new Palestinian Government.
The UK continues to encourage diplomatic efforts – to address both immediate needs and the long-term situation – and is working with our international partners to ensure more aid gets into Gaza and to come to a permanent resolution.
It is the decision of the Speaker whether an amendment is selected for debate and a vote, or not. However, should the Government amendment be selected I will be supporting it.
