Two Greater Manchester MPs resign as shadow ministers over Israel-Hamas ceasefire vote

Labour MPs Afzal Khan and Yasmin Qureshi have written to Sir Keir Starmer saying they will resign from their roles as shadow ministers.

Yasmin Qureshi, the MP for Bolton South East, wrote: “The situation in Gaza desperately requires an immediate ceasefire to address the humanitarian catastrophe and to advance moves towards a political solution that brings freedom, prosperity and security.”

While Afzal Khan, the MP for Manchester Gorton, said: “I understand that you do not feel that a ceasefire is currently the right course of action and due to our difference of opinion on the issue, I do not feel I am able to continue as a shadow minister.”

It comes as the House of Commons is voting on calling for a ceasefire in the region.

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MPs divided to vote on amendment R, tabled by Labour, to the motion on the King's Speech. The amendment tabled by Labour says the 'House wishes to see an end to the violence in Israel and Palestine' and calls for a 'credible, diplomatic and political process to deliver the lasting peace of a two-state solution.'

That vote was rejected. The house is currently voting on the SNP amendment calling for an 'immediate ceasefire'.

The Bolton South East MP shared her letter to the Labour leader on X, formerly Twitter, adding: "The scale of bloodshed in Gaza is unprecedented. Tonight, I will vote for an immediate ceasefire.

"We must call for an end to the carnage to protect innocents lives and end human suffering. With regret, I have stepped down as Shadow Women and Equalities Minister."

Mr Khan did the same by