Last week in the House of Commons, MPs had the opportunity to vote on the SNP’s amendment to the King’s Speech which called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The constant bombardment of Gaza has seen thousands of people being killed, injured and displaced. In addition, nearly two hundred remain held hostage by Hamas, including children and elderly.

There has been growing international momentum for an immediate ceasefire, with the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator to the Occupied Palestinian Territory appealing to all parties to the conflict, and to Member States with influence, to urgently agree to a humanitarian ceasefire.

The SNP’s amendment asked the UK to “join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire”.

However, Sir Keir Starmer shamefully ordered his MPs to stand alongside the Tories in refusing to support the calls for a ceasefire, which seen the amendment being blocked from passing.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am appalled that the majority of Tory and Labour MPs could not find the courage to join the SNP, the UN, and other international bodies in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Thousands of innocent people have been killed and injured, and it is beyond shameful that Sunak and Sir Starmer made the decision to be complicit and sit on their hands during these immense breaches of international law.

“The SNP will not stand by and support this and will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire.

“The public will not forget how their elected members have voted on this matter.”