A handout photograph released by the UK Parliament shows Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle during the weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons, in central London on Feb. 21, 2024. (Credit: Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament/AFP)
Britain's House of Commons descended into chaos on Wednesday over a motion calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
The chamber was due to debate and vote on a motion for an "immediate cease-fire" in Gaza by the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Instead, in an unusual move, speaker Lindsay Hoyle allowed a vote on a motion for an "immediate humanitarian cease-fire" in Gaza by the main opposition Labour Party.
This sparked fury and shouts from the ruling Conservatives and the SNP.
SNP head in the Commons, Stephen Flynn, branded the move as "complete and utter contempt" of his party.
Faced with the outrage, Hoyle apologized, saying he had only intended to allow a wider debate on the issue.
The motion was not officially voted on after the government said it would not participate in protest.
Political passions are running high in Britain ahead of a general election due this year.
The Conservatives, in power since 2010, are widely tipped by pollsters to lose.
Labour has been buoyed after having wrestled away several seats in by-elections from the Conservatives.
Britain's House of Commons descended into chaos on Wednesday over a motion calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
The chamber was due to debate and vote on a motion for an "immediate cease-fire" in Gaza by the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Instead, in an unusual move, speaker Lindsay Hoyle allowed a vote on a motion for an...