In a fiery address that electrified Manchester's political scene, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy launched a scathing attack on the government's handling of parliamentary democracy, accusing ministers of "running away from democracy" when faced with difficult votes on Gaza ceasefire motions.
Parliamentary Dodging Exposed
The senior Labour figure didn't mince words during his Manchester appearance, condemning what he described as the government's systematic avoidance of parliamentary accountability. "They are running away from democracy," Lammy declared, highlighting a pattern of behaviour that has seen ministers sidestep crucial votes on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Speaker's Controversial Decision
Lammy's criticism comes in the wake of House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle's controversial decision to break with convention, allowing both Labour and Scottish National Party motions on Gaza to be debated. This unprecedented move followed intense pressure from MPs across party lines who demanded a proper parliamentary discussion about the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Government's Evasive Tactics
The shadow cabinet member detailed how the government had repeatedly avoided putting forward its own position for parliamentary scrutiny. "They have not allowed a vote on their own motion," Lammy revealed, suggesting this was a deliberate strategy to evade taking a clear stance that could be challenged by MPs.
Manchester's Political Pulse
Speaking in one of Britain's great political cities, Lammy connected the government's Westminster manoeuvres to broader concerns about democratic health. His Manchester audience responded warmly to his calls for greater transparency and parliamentary courage in addressing international crises.
Humanitarian Crisis Takes Centre Stage
Beyond the procedural arguments, Lammy emphasised the real-world consequences of parliamentary inaction. With the Gaza conflict continuing to claim lives and create humanitarian disasters, the Labour frontbencher argued that proper parliamentary debate wasn't just about process—but about saving lives and upholding British values.
The Manchester speech signals Labour's intention to keep pressure on the government over both its foreign policy positions and its approach to democratic accountability, setting the stage for continued parliamentary battles as the conflict persists.
