Starmer ‘categorically’ denies threatening Commons Speaker over Gaza ceasefire vote
Sir Keir Starmer has “categorically” denied threatening Sir Lindsay Hoyle to select Labour’s amendment in the Gaza ceasefire debate in a move that unleashed parliamentary chaos.
The Labour leader said that he “simply urged” the Commons Speaker to have “the broadest possible debate” by putting a number of options in front of MPs.
Politics Live: Speaker clinging on to job
An opposition party – in this case Labour – would not normally get to table an amendment to another opposition party’s motion so the move was perceived by some as helping Labour avoid a damaging rebellion, given many of its MPs were expected to back the SNP’s motion had their own party’s not been selected.
Last night, a shadow minister told Sky News that Labour whips told Sir Lindsay they wouldn’t back him to carry on as the Commons Speaker after the next election if he didn’t pick their party’s amendment.
But speaking at a train depot in Sussex on Thursday, Sir Keir said: “I can categorically tell you that I did not threaten the Speaker in any way whatsoever.
“I simply urged to ensure that we have the broadest possible debate.
“So that actually the most important thing, which is what do we do about the situation in Gaza, could be properly discussed by MPs with a number of options in front of them.”
Nick Thomas-Symonds, a Labour shadow minister, told the Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge that he did not think there was a record of the meeting, as this is not usually done for summits between the Speaker and party leaders – something which happens “on a very regular basis”.
He said the idea of anything “improper” happening or any “intimidation” taking place was “complete garbage”.
Sir Lindsay is currently fighting to save his job following last night’s chaos.
He apologised for a second time to MPs today and insisted that he made his decision on the basis of MP’s’ safety, given the increasing level of threats politicians have been facing over their views on a Gaza ceasefire since the war broke out.
In a bid to calm tensions, he also offered the SNP the chance of an emergency debate after they were unable to vote on their proposition amid Wednesday’s turmoil.
However, his position is looking precarious as the SNP party has withdrawn their support for him.
Dozens of Tory MPs have also signed a no confidence motion, while Downing Street repeatedly refused to say if the prime minister has confidence in Sir Lindsay.
Critics have accused Sir Lindsay – a former Labour MP who must be impartial in his current role – of making a “political decision”.
They have questioned his argument that he granted the Labour motion on safety grounds, saying he had allowed parliament to be intimidated by threats of violence.
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Stephen Flynn, Westminster leader of the SNP, told Sir Lindsay that the Commons “descended into farce because of the decision that you made and you alone made”.
“As I have expressed to you privately prior to proceedings here today, we do not on these benches therefore believe that you can continue in your role as Speaker,” he said during a debate in parliament on Thursday.
There is no formal way for MPs to oust the Speaker, but a vote of no confidence could push him into resigning.
He is meeting senior political figures today to shore up support for his position.
Labour has blamed the chaos on the Tories, suggesting they boycotted the proceedings because they were worried about a rebellion on their own side.
While both Labour and the SNP called for an immediate ceasefire, albeit using different definitions, the government’s amendment called for an “immediate humanitarian pause” in the fighting.
Sir Keir said: “The tragedy is the SNP walked off the pitch because they wanted to divide the Labour Party and they couldn’t, and the government walked off the pitch because it thought it was going to lose a vote.”
Mr Thomas-Symonds said he did not think Sir Lindsay had made a mistake.
However, the government has turned the heat on Labour, accusing them of “damaging” the Speaker’s reputation and putting pressure on him to select the amendment.
Lindsay Hoyle ‘a decent man’
Commons leader Penny Mordaunt, who will meet Sir Lindsay later, called him a “decent man” adding: “I would never have done to him what the Labour Party have done to him.”
She added: “We have seen into the heart of Labour’s leadership. Nothing is more important than the interests of the Labour Party.
“The Labour Party before principle, the Labour Party before individual rights, the Labour Party before the reputation and honour of the decent man that sits in Speaker’s chair. The Labour Party before fairness, integrity and democracy.”
Former Tory minister Ben Wallace also jumped to the Speaker’s defence, writing on X that Sir Lindsay is “head and shoulders” above his predecessors.
“He is fair, kind and a protector of back benchers. He is not a bully nor a grandstander nor pompous. He has my full support.”