Some MPs have come under “increased threat” after the Commons voted against backing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, Penny Mordaunt has said.
The Commons Leader said all MPs should think about what they can do to “diffuse such threats made against our colleagues”.
The House voted on Wednesday night to reject an SNP amendment to the King’s Speech calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and against a Labour amendment calling among other things for longer “humanitarian pauses”.
No matter whether you agree with them or not, it is their duty to exercise their own judgement— Penny Mordaunt
Pro-Palestinian protesters marched past Parliament as MPs debated and voted on the issue.
Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis said MPs should not find themselves in the situation of receiving advice over which exits to use “for fear of being mobbed by an unauthorised demonstration”, but he did not directly reference the protest on Wednesday.
Ms Mordaunt made her remarks in the Commons during a session of questions related to the business of the House.
She said: “The debate last night did show this House its two main parties and the bulk of members united in its support for Israel’s duty to protect her people and for there to be an end of suffering for civilians – all civilians – and for the longer-term solution for peace.
“Since the vote last night I know some members have come under increased threat. No matter which way people voted, it will have been a considered decision.
“No matter whether you agree with them or not, it is their duty to exercise their own judgement.
“Today all members should think about what they can do to diffuse such threats made against our colleagues in this place.”
This really has gone too far and sooner or later there will be an incident— Sir Julian Lewis
Sir Julian said: “Even if demonstrations do continue to be allowed in Parliament Square, I think it should be a common concern on both sides of the House that members should not find themselves getting advice from their whips which exits they can and can’t use for fear of being mobbed by an unauthorised demonstration right up to the gates of Parliament.
“This really has gone too far and sooner or later there will be an incident, unless the security of entering and leaving the Houses of Parliament is restored.”
Ms Mordaunt said: “It is quite right that members of Parliament should be able to go around their business, and also their staff, in safety and security and not to be disrupted in going about their business.
“I know that Mr Speaker has been particularly concerned even prior to yesterday’s incidents and has been working with Palace security and other organisations to ensure the safety, in particular, of members of Parliament.”
Sir Keir Starmer suffered the biggest rebellion of his leadership as 56 Labour MPs, including 10 shadow ministers and parliamentary aides, defied the party whip to support the ceasefire call.
Labour MPs had instead been instructed to support Sir Keir’s call for longer “humanitarian pauses”, which was part of a front bench amendment which also included calls for Israel to “protect hospitals” and end the “siege” on water, food and other essentials into Gaza.
MPs voted 293 to 125, majority 168, to reject the SNP’s amendment calling for “all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.
