An Opposition Day at Westminster is often a challenging day as the opposition concoct motions designed to create headlines about who voted against. Today’s SNP debate went some steps beyond just that.
The situation in Gaza is intolerable for the civilians caught up in it. I do not know a single MP that wants Palestinian civilians to endure one more day of bombing and killing. But over 130 Israeli hostages are still being held by Hamas, after their brutal attacks of October 7th which saw over 1000 innocent Israelis killed and over 5000 injured.
Yes, we all want to find a peaceful solution to this situation – but as I discussed with a North Devon constituent last night, who has previously lived in Israel, our votes in Westminster today, irrespective of which motions or amendments we do or do not vote for, will make no difference to the decisions those in power in Israel and Gaza take. Today in my mind has seen some of the worst of political games since I became an MP.
For the rules to be changed at the start of the debate by Mr Speaker is truly unprecedented and reflects the situation that the Labour party are in with their incoherent policy in this area. The SNP have at least been consistent in what they have asked for, however, they chose this topic to maximise the chaos caused which has seen all MPs put at risk with mass protests outside Westminster and many constituency offices closed today, including my own in Barnstaple, due to protests there as well.
A core part of our democracy is the right to protest, but for an opposition party to choose to create such a level of intimidation that MPs felt they have had to close offices, and ultimately this has also led to this unprecedented change of rules today during today’s Opposition Day Debate. The tone of some of the incoming emails this week again is shocking. I listen to my constituents and I am aware of the strength of feeling on this matter, but to insist I vote for or against any motion in such a way, is not the kind of polite politics, or the courteous and reasoned disagreement that we should aspire to.
I hope we at Westminster can set a better example moving forward as in my view today has not been a fine example of democracy in action, and I hope residents of North Devon will understand that whatever social media graphics circulate about what I did and why, I remain committed to support the Government’s position today and their work in trying to secure a permanent, sustainable ceasefire with all the hostages released, alongside increasing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and finding a way towards a peaceful two state solution giving justice to both the Israelis and Palestinians.
Statement posted at 17.15pm 21/2/2024
