Dear Voornaam, Sir Keir Starmer may have breathed a sigh of relief when Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle agreed to let MPs vote on Labour's ceasefire amendment this evening, but that is far from the end of the story. As a reminder - the SNP has tabled a motion in Westminster to call for a ceasefire in Gaza which Labour then sought to combat with an amendment to neatly avoid the possibility of its MPs rebelling and voting with the nationalists. The government then lodged an amendment of their own which convention dictates would rule out the Labour one - putting the pressure back on Sir Keir. Keeping up? Mr Hoyle decided today to break with convention to allow both the government and Labour motions, a move which has left the Tories and the SNP furious. The debate in the Commons continues and our Westminster Correspondent Alexander Brown is reporting on events as they unfold. You can read his latest story and also watch me discussing this with him earlier today here Meanwhile, our Education Reporter Calum Ross has an exclusive report today with stark figures which show a huge rise in pupils with additional support needs (ASN) across Scotland. In some areas, as many as 50% are classed as having ASN. It is causing huge issues for teachers and councillors, increasing pressure on dwindling budgets. You can read his story here As ever please do get in touch with your comments about this newsletter and The Scotsman in general. Have a great evening Alan |