SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said his party has « inserted a backbone » into Labour after it shifted its stance on Gaza.
Sir Keir Starmer‘s party called for an « immediate humanitarian ceasefire » in the Israel-Hamas conflict in a major change in its position.
The Opposition party has tabled an amendment to the SNP‘s Gaza motion, to be voted on in the Commons tomorrow.
Mr Flynn said: « We’ve been Westminster’s conscience on the brutality unfolding in Gaza. Our calls for an immediate ceasefire have been clear and consistent.
« Through Parliamentary pressure we have inserted a backbone into the Labour Party. Their support for an immediate ceasefire is welcome. »
Sir Keir, who has come under huge pressure over his stance on the war, has previously urged for a « sustainable ceasefire » but has not used the word « immediate ».
Dozens of Labour MPs broke ranks three months ago to back a similar SNP motion.
In an apparent attempt to get ahead of another possible rebellion, Labour today tabled its own lengthy amendment.
A party spokesperson said: « Our amendment calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, in line with our allies.
« We need the hostages released and returned. We need the fighting to stop now. We need a massive humanitarian aid programme for Gaza. And any military action in Rafah cannot go ahead.
« There needs to be an end to violence on all sides. Israelis have the right to the security that the horror of October 7 cannot happen again.
« We want the fighting to stop now. We also have to be clear on how we prevent the violence starting up again. There will be no lasting peace without a diplomatic process that delivers a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. »
The motion calls on MPs to « support Australia, Canada and New Zealand’s calls for Hamas to release and return all hostages and for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which means an immediate stop to the fighting and a ceasefire that lasts and is observed by all sides ».
Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said Labour had shifted because of « huge concern » about Israel‘s planned offensive in Rafah where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering and the « tremendous humanitarian catastrophe » in the territory.
The SNP‘s motion is shorter and calls for « an immediate ceasefire » without some of the qualification attached by Labour.
Source link