Commons Speaker Apologises After Gaza Ceasefire Debate Fallout

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has apologised for his part in farcical unfolding of a Gaza ceasefire debate after his decision to select both Labour and Conservative amendments to an opposition day motion.

The Speaker had faced fury from SNP and Tory MPs after his unusual decision to select both [party's amendments for debate. 

The SNP had put forward an opposition day motion calling for "an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel". It specifically states a desire to see an "end to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people". 

Labour, which was keen to avert a rebellion in which its own MPs voted for the SNP's motion put forward its own amendment calling for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" that is "observed by all sides", which the SNP has subsequently agreed to back. On Tuesday night the government complicated matters by adding its own amendment, urging an "immediate humanitarian pause" with "moves towards a permanent sustainable ceasefire". 

Ordinarily any Government amendment would take priority but an unusual decision by the Commons speaker to select both the Tory and Labour amendments prompted shouts in the chamber over his controversial break with precedence. 

The backlash was swift but severe with Conservative backbencher William Wragg tabling an early day motion declaring no confidence in the Speaker and the Clerk of the House, Tom Goldsmith explicitly criticising Hoyle's decision.  

After an evening of chaos in the House of Commons Hoyle returned to his chair and said he "regrets" how the day unfolded. 

"I wanted to do the best by every member of the House," he said. 

"I regret how it's ended up. It was not my intention. I wanted all to ensure they could express their views. As it was, in