Labour frontbenchers on resignation watch as Starmer braced for major rebellion over ceasefire vote
Starmer rejects ceasefire over concerns it will embolden Hamas
Sir Keir Starmer is braced for a potential rebellion this evening, as MPs gear up to vote on a motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The SNP is using an Opposition Day debate in parliament to put forward a motion demanding an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza, which will be debated today and voted on this evening.
The last time a vote took place on this issue, 10 members of his Shadow Cabinet were forced to quit.
The ten Labour frontbenchers quit after they broke with the party line to vote for the SNP's amendment to the King's Speech calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.
Labour frontbenchers are on resignation watch and MPs are poised to rebel, as MPs gear up for a crunch vote this afternoon on a ceasefire in Gaza
PA
The rebels included Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence, Jess Philips - one of Labour's most recognisable faces - and Yasmin Qureshi, Shadow Women and Equalities Minister.
An 11th frontbencher, Helen Hayes, also broke with the party line to speak up for a ceasefire in the preceding debate but has not been forced to quit as she did not vote with the SNP's amendment.
In an attempt to prevent dozens of his own MPs from rebelling to vote with the SNP on today's motion, Sir Keir Starmer tabled an amendment which takes a similar position.
While he was previously reluctant to call for a ceasefire for fear it could "embolden Hamas", he has since changed his stance calling for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire".
The SNP's amendment calls for an “immediate ceasefire” and condemns the “collective punishment” of Palestinians, while Labour's amendment says Israel’s planned assault on Rafah “must not take place”.
It also demands an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” that must be observed by “all sides.”
Labour is expected to whip its MPs to abstain on the SNP motion, and vote for the Labour amendment.
However, the Government has proposed a third amendment calling for an "immediate humanitarian pause" whilst also backing Israel's "right to self-defence".
The Liberal Democrats are also tabling their own amendment urging an “immediate bilateral ceasefire” in Gaza.
Protocol suggests Commons Speaker will only select one of the amendments, meaning Labour MPs who want a ceasefire may find their only option is to defy Starmer and vote with the SNP if the Tory amendment is selected.
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Commons procedures says that votes on non-government amendments on opposition days are "extremely unusual".
Hoyle will select his amendments this afternoon.