“Missed opportunity to show real unity on this horrific conflict”- Leader of Welsh Lib Dems reacts to yesterday’s Commons calamity

Yesterday (22^nd of February 2024) the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS  described the previous night’s ceasefire vote in the House of Commons as a “missed opportunity”.

The ceasefire vote in the House of Commons descended into chaos after the speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle broke convention to allow a vote on a Labour amendment to a proposal from the SNP.

Jane Dodds MS had previously voted in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza in the Senedd back in November 2023.

The Liberal Democrats, who have continually called for an immediate bilateral ceasefire to the ongoing conflict, had submitted their own amendment to the vote which called for “an opportunity for a political process leading to a two-state solution”.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“The ceasefire vote in the House of Commons was a perfect opportunity to show cross-party unity over this horrific conflict.

We as a nation could have taken the first step in the right direction towards resolving this humanitarian catastrophe and delivering peace to both Palestinians and Israelis.

Instead, what we saw was an embarrassing row about the selection of amendments, of party politics taking precedence over humanitarianism .

Make no mistake, last night was a missed opportunity to show real unity on this horrific conflict.

I am very proud of the actions taken by my party colleagues in the Commons who have for months now called for an immediate bilateral ceasefire, their continued support for a peaceful and immediate resolution is a credit to both themselves and the party.

A ceasefire is urgently needed to facilitate the delivery of aid into Gaza and the release of hostages. We must push for a two-state solution and a lasting peace.”