There was drama and controversy in the House today, after Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick doubled down and refused to apologise for saying MPs with spines would act on Gaza.

Swarbrick has since been booted from Parliament for not apologising.

Former Speaker Sir David Carter says he should have asked Prime Minister John Key to withdraw - when he told the Opposition to 'get some guts' in 2015.

"In hindsight, when you get a chance to review the tape and hear it again - yes, I would have asked him to withdraw and apologise. I would have settled the House down if I'd done that."

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