'Our democracy cannot and must not bend to the threat of violence and intimidation'

RISHI Sunak took a new swipe at Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle yesterday for manipulating Parliamentary rules in a debate on Gaza, warning that it sent a dangerous signal that intimidation works.

- Martyn Brown

The Prime Minister said British democracy "cannot and must not bend to the threat of violence and intimidation". His words came amid a surge in threatening protests around Parliament, MPs' offices and council chambers.

Pro-Palestine activists beamed a "genocidal" phrase on to Big Ben last Wednesday - the night Parliament descended into chaos as tensions flared at a vote on whether to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Sir Lindsay has come under intense pressure to step down as Speaker after admitting he broke with the usual Parliamentary procedure for the vote because of what he described as "absolutely frightening" threats against MPs.

He has since made two emotional apologies but 70 MPs have signed a motion of 'no confidence' calling on him to quit.

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn will seek opposition parties' support for a fresh motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza after the party's attempt was thwarted by Sir Lindsay.