Out of order, order order

Commons chaos as Speaker helps Starmer dodge revolt

- ASHLEY COWBURN & JOHN STEVENS

THE Commons descended into chaos last night as Keir Starmer swerved a major rebellion over demands for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle came close to tears as he apologised to MPs in angry scenes after helping the Labour leader dodge a revolt.

Mr Starmer had faced the threat of frontbenchers quitting to back an SNP-led motion for an "immediate ceasefire" over the "collective punishment" of Palestinians.

But Sir Lindsay broke convention to allow a Labour amendment to be voted on that called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" that must be observed by "all sides".

It was ultimately passed on the nod without a vote after some SNP MPs stormed out of the chamber in extraordinary scenes and the Government announced it would boycott proceedings.