MPs were scheduled to vote on a motion put forward by the Scottish National Party calling for an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza. The SNP used its designated “opposition day” in the House of Commons to push the motion.
But Hoyle intervened to allow the opposition Labor Party – which feared a revolt by its MPs amid pressure over its response to the conflict – to table its own amendment to the motion, which also endorsed an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” but included softer language on Israel's conduct in the war.
Hoyle's move had little precedent and was criticized On registration By the Chamber's most senior official, writer Tom Goldsmith. The decision denied the Scottish National Party – which seeks to exploit Labor divisions in Gaza – the opportunity to vote on its proposal on a day of opposition to the SNP.
Hoyle's intervention also sparked anger from the ruling Conservatives, who had planned to present their own proposal on Gaza but withdrew from the process in protest.
A visibly shaken Hoyle eventually apologised, but only after Labour's motion was passed. “I tried to do what I thought was the right thing for all parties in the House,” he said, to cheers from Conservative and SNP lawmakers.
Hoyle added: “It is unfortunate and I apologize for the decision that did not go where I had hoped.”
He offered to meet with all party leaders to resolve the dispute, but that may not be enough for the SNP. The party's Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, told Hoyle directly that he “will need significant convincing that your position is now no longer intolerable.”
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