SNP WESTMINSTER leader Stephen Flynn has urged MPs to “show moral leadership” by backing his party’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
An amendment put forward by the SNP calling for “all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire” is likely be voted on at the end of the King’s Speech debate in the Commons today.
The move has placed UK Labour leader Keir Starmer - who has resisted demands to call for a ceasefire - under pressure, with divisions in his party over his stance and the possibility some of his own MPs will vote for the motion.
In an open letter to MPs, Flynn argued the “only way to stop this humanitarian disaster, the only way to stop the killing of thousands more children, is to use all our influence to press for an immediate ceasefire.”
He also said the failure of MPs to vote for a ceasefire would mean Westminster would be “disregarding international law, condoning collective punishment and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of Gaza, which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians killed.”
READ MORE: Richard Leonard calls on Labour MPs to back Gaza ceasefire
A leading human rights organisation has also called on all MPs to get behind the SNP vote and for parties to allow a free vote on the issue.
Amnesty International said it was a “vital moment for all MPs to show they truly support the protection of civilians in Gaza and Israel”.
In the open letter, Flynn said the SNP amendment had now been signed by “multiple members, across multiple parties, in the Commons”.
He wrote: "It is now over a month since Hamas launched its horrific terrorist attacks on the people of Israel. The viciousness of that violence and the taking of hostages was a crime against humanity. Our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas remains as strong today as it did on October 7th.
READ MORE: Scottish Labour deputy accuses SNP of ‘game playing’ over Gaza
"Equally though, it is only right that we condemn the response and retaliation that has unfolded since. The cutting off of electricity, of medical supplies, and of clean water is collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
"New-born babies have died because they can’t be given that most basic of things, oxygen. A humanitarian disaster is unfolding before the watching world in Gaza.
“The only way to stop this humanitarian disaster, the only way to stop the killing of thousands more children, is to use all our influence to press for an immediate ceasefire.”
Flynn said it was now time to “finally join in” with the growing momentum in the international community in pressing for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
He went on: "As Members of Parliament, it is also important to be crystal clear in terms of what failing to vote for a ceasefire means.
“Because by refusing to join the United Nations in pressing for an immediate ceasefire, Westminster would be disregarding international law, condoning collective punishment and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of Gaza, which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians killed.
He added: "People understand that the conflict in the Middle East is full of complexity. But amidst all that complexity, they also recognise a very human truth. People know that what we are all watching in Gaza is wrong and they want their MPs to do the right thing, show moral leadership and press for an immediate ceasefire.
READ MORE: Labour MSPs back Holyrood Gaza ceasefire call from Greens
"This is about upholding our values and I hope you will join us in doing the right thing on Wednesday by voting for an immediate ceasefire.”
Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s chief executive, said the vote was a “vital moment” for all MPs to show they “truly support the protection of civilians in Gaza and Israel”.
He said: “A negotiated and comprehensive ceasefire would put a stop to unlawful attacks by all parties, halt the rapidly-rising civilian death toll in Gaza and enable aid agencies to get life-saving aid, water and medical supplies into Gaza in response to what have been staggering levels of human suffering.
“A ceasefire is also likely to be essential to securing the release of the hostages captured on 7 October.
“We call on all parties to allow MPs to have a free vote on this vital issue, and call on all MPs to get behind the vote and add their voice to mounting international concern at the catastrophic loss of civilian life in Israel and Gaza.”
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