New Zealand MP Removed from Parliament Twice Over Gaza Debate

Chlöe Swarbrick, a member of New Zealand’s Green Party, was kicked out of Parliament for the second day in a row after refusing to say sorry for calling government MPs “spineless” during a heated discussion about Gaza. On Tuesday, Swarbrick asked MPs to support her proposal for New Zealand to place sanctions on Israel because of the war in Gaza. She said, “If we can find six of 68 government MPs with a spine, we can stand on the right side of history.” The Speaker of Parliament, Gerry Brownlee, interrupted her and said the comment was unacceptable. He asked her to take it back and apologise. She refused, and was told to leave for the rest of the week. Swarbrick returned the next day, ignoring the ban. When asked again to apologise, she refused and was removed once more, shouting “Free Palestine” as she left. Her punishment was made official when Parliament voted to “name” her—a rare move that suspends an MP and cuts their pay. All government MPs supported the decision. The incident happened as New Zealand faces growing pressure to recognise Palestine as an independent state. Australia recently announced plans to do so, and other countries like France, Britain, and Canada may follow at the UN in September. Swarbrick criticised New Zealand’s delay, saying, “We are one of the very few countries who so far refuse to acknowledge the absolute bare minimum.” Opposition MPs said the punishment was too harsh. Labour MP Willie Jackson pointed out he was only banned for 30 minutes after calling someone a liar, and didn’t have to apologise. Others noted that MPs have used the word “spineless” before without being punished. Speaker Brownlee defended his decision, saying Swarbrick insulted all 68 government MPs, including himself. He said Parliament needs to set a better example because MPs often face threats outside the chamber. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon criticized Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he’s gone too far in Gaza and isn’t listening to the world. Luxon said New Zealand will decide in September whether to officially recognize Palestine.