New Zealand legislator Chlöe Swarbrick was directed to leave parliament on Tuesday during a heated discussion about the government’s reaction to the conflict in Gaza.
An urgent debate was initiated after the center-right administration announced on Monday that they were considering their position on acknowledging a Palestinian state. Australia, a close ally, stated on Monday that they would recognize a Palestinian state at a UN conference in September, similar to Canada, the UK, and France.
Swarbrick, who is the co-leader of the Green party, referred to New Zealand as a “laggard” and an “outlier,” remarking that the absence of a decision was disturbing. She called on members of the government to support a bill that would “sanction Israel for its war crimes.” This proposal was put forward by her party in March and has the backing of all opposition parties.
Speaker Gerry Brownlee deemed her statement “completely unacceptable” and asked her to retract it and apologize. When she refused, Swarbrick was instructed to leave parliament. Brownlee later stated that Swarbrick could return on Wednesday, but if she continued to refuse to apologize, she would again be expelled.
New Zealand has declared that they will arrive at a decision in September on whether to recognize Palestine as a state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly disapproved of the growing international movement to acknowledge Palestine.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated in parliament that over the upcoming month, the government will gather information and have discussions with partners to inform the cabinet’s decision. Opposition parties Labour and Te Pati Maori also support the acknowledgment of a Palestinian state. Labour legislator Peeni Henare stated that New Zealand has a history of standing strong on its principles and values, and in this instance, “is being left behind.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/13/mp-removed-from-new-zealand-parliament-in-heated-debate-over-palestinian-recognition
