Hoyle helps Starmer by selecting Labour ceasefire amendment
Spectator (UK)FEB 2024
UK: Calls for House of Commons Speaker to Resign After Gaza Vote
Image copyright: Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Labour's behavior in the Commons can only be described as disgraceful. Hoyle's veil of impartiality has been destroyed, and Labour has been exposed as willing to manipulate parliamentary procedure and disregard the democratic values of Opposition day for their own benefit. Hoyle must go, and Labour should be ashamed.
Narrative B
Hoyle acted out of genuine concern for the safety and security of Labour lawmakers who have faced countless threats over their stances on the conflict in Gaza. In contrast, the Conservative Party sought to plunge the House into procedural chaos instead of allowing discussions over the horrors of the Middle East to receive due focus. While Starmer has, somehow, escaped the SNP's motion without a public party divide, nobody should be proud of what happened in Parliament.
Narrative C
While the SNP's motion on an immediate ceasefire had nothing more than symbolic consequences and was largely fuelled by selfish intentions to undermine Labour's political position, the extent of the contempt that the voice of Scotland was treated by Hoyle and the Commons is unacceptable. As long as London squabbles over theatrics and Hoyle remains Speaker, the people of Scotland alongside the people of Gaza will continue to be disrespected.