The time for equivocation is over – all Westminster MPs must vote for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

‘Almost 2 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes. Many of them were driven to Rafah, where 1.5 million people have sought shelter.’ Photograph: Haitham Imad/EPA

This evening, MPs will have the chance to vote for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. The SNP will use our House of Commons “opposition day” debate to hold a vote – so the UK parliament and government can join mounting international pressure for an end to hostilities.

This is the second opportunity MPs have had to vote for a ceasefire. The SNP forced a similar vote back in November. Despite a significant number of cross-party MPs supporting us then, that vote failed, regrettably, because Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer ordered Tory and Labour MPs to oppose a ceasefire – and threatened sanctions if they disobeyed their party whip.