The Scottish National Party (SNP) has been steadfast in its calls for the UK government and parliament to endorse an immediate ceasefire between Gaza and Israel over the past months. This ongoing conflict has drawn global attention, with many nations and organisations urging a halt to the violence.

Last November, a motion for a ceasefire was introduced in the House of Commons. However, the motion failed to pass. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer instructed MPs from their respective parties to reject the motion. They even hinted at potential sanctions for anyone who dared to support the SNP’s initiative. This move was widely criticised as a suppression of democratic debate on a matter of urgent humanitarian concern.

Since that time, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically. The death toll has surpassed 29,000, with women, children, and civilians accounting for a significant portion of the casualties. Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble, with hospitals, family homes, and refugee camps obliterated. The scale of destruction has left communities in despair and raised serious questions about the international community’s response.

The escalating death toll underscores the failure of Sunak’s and Starmer’s neutral stance. Their reluctance to take decisive action has been widely viewed as ineffective and morally untenable. In light of this, the SNP recently reintroduced the issue for a vote, hoping to reignite the debate and push for a ceasefire once more.

This should have been a pivotal moment for MPs to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and oppose what many describe as collective punishment. Instead, the debate turned into a political spectacle, with procedural manoeuvres taking precedence over humanitarian concerns.

Keir Starmer’s approach to the SNP’s ceasefire motion was particularly contentious. He sought to prevent Labour MPs from supporting the motion, using parliamentary tactics to delay, dilute, and ultimately dismiss the vote. This heavy-handed strategy left many questioning his commitment to addressing the crisis in Gaza.

As a result, MPs were denied the chance to vote on the SNP’s proposal. While the SNP received an apology from the House of Commons Speaker, it is the people of Gaza—and voters in Glasgow and across Scotland—who bear the consequences of Westminster’s inaction. The failure to act has left many feeling disillusioned with the political process.

Despite this setback, the SNP remains resolute in its mission. The party is committed to pressuring the UK government to join the majority of the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire. This is not just about sending a symbolic message; it is about pushing the UK to use its influence to bring an end to the violence.

As a key ally of Israel and the United States, and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK holds significant diplomatic power. It is crucial that this influence is used to advocate for peace rather than allowing those who oppose a ceasefire to dismiss the UK’s voice as irrelevant.

There have been some small victories amidst the challenges. The persistent pressure from the SNP and the people of Scotland eventually led Keir Starmer to shift his position and agree to support a ceasefire. This marks a notable change from his earlier stance, where he defended Israel’s actions, including the cutting off of essential supplies like food, water, and power to Gaza.

It is worth noting that this shift only occurred because the SNP stood firm in its principles and applied consistent political pressure. This is a significant development, especially given that Starmer is widely expected to become the next Prime Minister. His change of heart could have far-reaching implications for UK policy in the region.

Now, the focus must turn to Rishi Sunak. It is essential to apply the same level of pressure on the Prime Minister to reconsider his position and support a ceasefire. The people of Glasgow and Scotland have made their voices heard, and it is time for the UK government to listen. Writing to your MP, participating in protests, and continuing to raise awareness are all ways to ensure this issue remains at the forefront of political discourse.