November 23, 2024

Politics latest: Islamophobia row deepens for Sunak as Tory MP criticised for ‘drivel’ about ‘no-go’ areas

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As we just reported, Sir Lindsay Hoyle has confirmed an SNP motion for a debate on the conflict in Gaza has been refused – because, he says, the government will likely table a debate tomorrow.

Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s Westminster leader, has accused the Speaker of the Commons of creating “complete confusion again”.

The Speaker had offered the SNP an emergency debate last week after the party’s bid to have a ceasefire debated in the Commons descended into farce when he selected a Labour amendment for debate too.

Sir Lindsay apologised to the SNP and indicated he’d allow an emergency debate as a make good.

But speaking to our chief political correspondent Jon Craig, Mr Flynn expressed his anger that this now wasn’t happening.

Mr Flynn said: “We came back today, and we put forward a motion that would have a vote on ending arms sales to Israel but also importantly making sure that the UK vote for an immediate ceasefire at the United Nations.

“A meaningful vote.

“The Speaker has told us we are not going to be able to have that debate at that vote. He promised us one thing, and instead we’re getting delivered another.

“Last week, Westminster broke the rules – this week it’s breaking its word.”

Mr Flynn also claimed his party has been “stitched up” by the Westminster establishment by being refused the debate and vote.

He reiterates that Sir Lindsay’s position as Speaker is “untenable”.

“My colleagues and I have already signed a motion which has been laid to express our view that we don’t have confidence in the Speaker,” he says.

“You cannot have a situation where Westminster promises to do something and doesn’t deliver upon it.”

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