SNP to bring Commons motion calling for immediate Gaza ceasefire

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said his party will bring forward a motion in the House of Commons calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Flynn, the MP for Aberdeen South, said it was “clear that enough is enough” following the deaths of thousands of civilians as a result of Israel’s response to the terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October 7.

Around 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since the offensive began, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry.

In a video message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Flynn said: “We need a ceasefire and we need it now. Since the Israeli bombardment of Gaza began, some 30,000 civilians have been killed, some 70,000 have been injured and 90 per cent of the population is close to starvation.

“It’s quite clear that enough is enough. We need the UK, we need the US and we need all of Israel’s allies to speak out in favour of a ceasefire.”

He added: “This week, SNP MPs will be bringing forward a motion to the House of Commons to back an immediate ceasefire. History will judge all of us by our words and by our actions. It’s time for MPs to take a stand and back a ceasefire.”

An earlier ceasefire motion brought by the SNP in November was defeated but not before 56 Labour MPs defied the party whip to vote in favour.

Scottish Labour holds its annual conference in Glasgow this weekend. Responding to the SNP call for a ceasefire, former leader Richard Leonard tweeted: “Labour must back an immediate ceasefire.”

Foreign Secretary David Cameron has said the UK Government supports a “sustainable ceasefire”.

At the weekend, he tweeted: “Deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah – over half of Gaza’s population are sheltering in the area.

“The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.”

The former prime minister has suggested the UK could recognise a Palestinian state after a ceasefire.