THE depute leader of the SNP has called for the party to consider withdrawing MPs from Westminster following the chaos over the party’s debate on a Gaza ceasefire.
Writing in the Sunday National today, Keith Brown said the “shambolic events” in the House of Commons had not only overshadowed one of the “most important life-and-death issues of our time", but also raised questions about the ability of Scotland’s representatives to have their say in Westminster.
He said that while much of the focus had been around the role of the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, it had been crucial in showing that Labour are “unrepentant about the illegitimate thwarting of the SNPs Opposition Day debate”.
READ HERE: It’s time to re-examine case for withdrawing from Westminster
The decision by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to allow a Labour amendment to be heard on the SNP's motion on a Gaza ceasefire triggered a huge backlash and led to calls for him to resign.
It scuppered the SNP's opportunity to allow MPs to hold a formal vote on their motion - preventing a major rebellion for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over the issue.
Brown (below) said: “People in Scotland must be aware of Labour’s contempt for anyone but Labour who represents Scotland, and who seek to give effect to that representation in Westminster.
“Many of us will recall the “heartfelt” pleas of Labour luminaries like Gordon Brown at the 2014 referendum.
“Lead us, don’t leave us. Scotland’s voice will be heard, welcomed and respected, protected even.
“Contrast that with the joyous faces, the back-slapping of Labour MPs and the cheers – not because they had “passed” an amendment calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, but simply because, as they saw it, they had scuppered the SNP by usurping – with the help of the Speaker - the SNP's Opposition Day date.”
Brown also pointed to Brexit and the overriding of the Sewel Convention as other examples of the “denial” of democracy to Scotland.
He added: “It seems we now need to examine whether it is right to confer any legitimacy on an institution determined to deny democracy in Scotland.
“Some have believed for many years that Scotland should withdraw from Westminster, while others believe it is necessary to be there, to make arguments on Scotland’s behalf, to promote and protect Scotland’s interests. I have tended to agree with this.
“But when the institution can so easily be manipulated to thwart Scotland’s representatives, the issue needs, in my view, to be re-examined.
READ MORE: Furious SNP hit back as Speaker denies emergency Gaza ceasefire debate
“Seeing Labour representatives (albeit with quite a few honourable exceptions outwith their party in parliament) cock-a-hoop with having “dished” the SNP (regardless of the substantive issue on Gaza) must be a warning for how Scotland will be treated under any Starmer-led UK Government.
“They are either unaware or more likely unconcerned as to any consequences of their actions.”
The comments by Brown come after a report suggested SNP MPs would “disengage” with Westminster following the row over the Gaza ceasefire debate.
However SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn denied the claim which was made by the BBC, writing on Twitter/X: “Until we achieve our independence, we will never leave Scotland voiceless in Westminster.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel