Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran speaks out about personal loss and urges for a ceasefire in Gaza

Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has revealed in the House of Commons that a family member has tragically died in Gaza, describing it as the “most difficult day” of her parliamentary career. Moran, the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, who has previously spoken about her Palestinian heritage, shared the devastating news that her relative, who had been trapped in Gaza, passed away due to health complications, likely exacerbated by a lack of food and medical care.

Moran explained that her family member did not die as a result of direct violence, such as bombing, but rather from the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with limited access to hospitals and basic necessities. She went on to explain the importance of backing calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting that the situation was not about party politics but about humanity.

“I wanted to vote for peace today,” she said, calling for a two-state solution and an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis. Moran emphasised the need for an end to the cycle of violence, urging her colleagues to consider the personal and human impact of the conflict.

Moran also expressed her frustration with the language used by some MPs, referring to the Prime Minister’s earlier comments about not being on the side of Israel. She urged MPs from all sides to recognise that the issue at hand was far beyond political differences.

In response to her emotional statement, Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans extended his condolences, though he reminded Moran that her point of order was not a matter for the chair and subsequently cut her off.

Shadow ministers Yasmin Qureshi, Afzal Khan, and Paula Barker step down to support a ceasefire in Gaza, as party unity crumbles.

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has been struck by a rebellion within his own ranks, as three shadow ministers resigned in protest over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza. Yasmin Qureshi, Afzal Khan, and Paula Barker announced their resignations on Wednesday evening, confirming their intention to vote in favour of an SNP amendment to the King’s Speech that calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

This move comes amid growing discontent within the Labour Party over Starmer’s stance on the ongoing conflict. Two other frontbenchers, Naz Shah and Helen Hayes, are also facing the threat of being sacked after signalling their support for the rival ceasefire amendment. Labour MPs had been instructed to abstain from the vote and instead back Starmer’s position of supporting “humanitarian pauses” in the conflict, rather than a full ceasefire.

In the House of Commons, the SNP’s amendment calling for an immediate ceasefire was rejected with 293 votes against 125, a majority of 168. While Starmer urged his colleagues to stand by his position, the resignations have revealed deep divisions within the Labour Party, especially on the issue of how best to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Following the vote, Starmer expressed his disappointment that his colleagues had not supported his approach. “I have consistently called for humanitarian pauses to allow aid into Gaza and to address the civilian casualties caused by the conflict. Much more needs to be done to alleviate the crisis,” he said. He reiterated his commitment to a long-term strategy aimed at securing peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, stressing that leadership required making tough decisions in difficult times.

These latest resignations come after Imran Hussain stepped down from his position earlier this month, also in response to Starmer’s position on Gaza. As the Labour leader struggles to maintain party unity, these developments mark a significant challenge to his leadership.

A proposal calling for sanctions against Israel and the expulsion of its ambassador fails as thousands protest outside the Dáil

In a heated session on Tuesday, the Irish Parliament voted down a motion that called for the expulsion of Israel’s ambassador, Dana Erlich, and the imposition of various economic and diplomatic sanctions against the country. The motion, proposed by the Social Democrats, also urged the Irish government to use its influence in Brussels to seek the suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal and to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court over its actions in Gaza.

Outside the Oireachtas, more than a thousand protesters gathered, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Among the demonstrators were several high-profile politicians, including Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty and Matt Carthy, as well as Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns.

In response to the motion, Minister of State James Browne tabled a counter-proposal, arguing that maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel was essential. Browne’s amendment, which excluded calls for sanctions, was passed by 85 votes to 55. He emphasized the importance of Ireland’s continued diplomatic engagement, even in times of conflict, to ensure open communication channels and to avoid isolating the country from international discussions on the crisis.

Cairns, who opened the debate, accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, criticising the government for replacing calls for sanctions with mere “platitudes.” She argued that more concrete actions were necessary, pointing out the failure of Western leaders to demand a ceasefire and highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy also condemned the international community’s response, expressing shame over the EU’s failure to take a firm stance against Israeli actions. He called for Ireland to lead by example and pressure Israel to end the violence.

The debate in the Dáil comes amid a rapidly escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with the Irish government reiterating its support for Israel’s right to self-defence but also stressing the need for adherence to international law and proportionality in military actions. Calls for a ceasefire remain central to Ireland’s position as it continues to push for greater international action.

Former PM responds to questions over his new role in the House of Lords, with calls for greater accountability from MPs

David Cameron has firmly stated that the controversy surrounding the Greensill Capital scandal is now “in the past” as he faces scrutiny regarding his new role as Foreign Secretary, despite sitting in the House of Lords. The appointment of Cameron, a former prime minister, to such a senior cabinet position has raised concerns about how MPs can hold him accountable, as he will not face regular questioning in the Commons.

Cameron’s position in the House of Lords means he will be subject to questions from MPs only when appearing before select committees, and major statements could be made either in the upper chamber or by junior ministers in the Commons. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has promised to ensure that Cameron is properly scrutinised, commissioning advice on how to enhance the ability of MPs to oversee the work of the Foreign Secretary.

This arrangement has sparked debate, with critics questioning the level of accountability Cameron will have while serving in the Lords. Lord Cameron responded by emphasising that he is now focused solely on his role as Foreign Secretary, having resigned from his previous positions, including the presidency of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The appointment has also sparked renewed questions about the Greensill scandal, where Cameron lobbied ministers to secure access to a government loan scheme for the failed firm, where he worked in 2018. While Cameron maintains that the matter was thoroughly investigated at the time by the Treasury Select Committee, others, including shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, have criticised the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint an unelected figure with a controversial past.

Dr Alice Lilly from the Institute for Government highlighted that it is highly unusual for a Foreign Secretary to serve in the Lords, with the last such appointment more than 40 years ago. Despite these concerns, Downing Street stressed that Cameron would be accountable to the electorate at the next general election, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would answer questions from MPs on foreign policy in Cameron’s stead.

Lord Cameron is also not expected to claim any salary or allowances typically available to ministers in the House of Lords.