This blog looks at how Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) function, an important topic since both the Pearson Edexcel and AQA A level Politics specifications require you to have knowledge of PMQs. As one of the best-known means by which the Commons can scrutinize the government, the modern form of PMQs was established in 1961, when two 15-minute sessions (on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons) were introduced. This format lasted until 1997 but, at that point, Tony Blair consolidated PMQs into one 30-minute slot on Wednesdays at 3pm on the grounds that a single session would be more efficient. It was moved to its current 12pm starting time in 2003. A second blog will consider how effective PMQs are as an accountability mechanism.

What is PMQs?

Prime Minister's Questions (commonly known as PMQs) take place every Wednesday at noon when the House of Commons is in session. This event represents the primary opportunity for MPs to directly question the Prime Minister (PM) regarding government affairs. While PMQs is officially scheduled for thirty minutes, it often extends beyond this timeframe at the discretion of the Speaker. During John Bercow's tenure as Speaker (2009-19), for example, these sessions frequently exceeded the standard duration, sometimes lasting nearly twice as long.

Who asks questions at PMQs?

The demand for asking questions during PMQs is exceptionally high. MPs who wish to pose a question typically enter a ballot, which closes on the Thursday preceding each PMQs session. Once the ballot concludes, 15 MPs are randomly selected in a process known as the ‘shuffle’ and their names are published on the order paper for the following Wednesday. The first question is posed by the MP listed at the top of the order paper. If this MP represents an opposition party, the subsequent question will come from a backbencher of the governing party, usually the highest-ranked MP on the order paper. This practice adheres to the convention that the Speaker alternates between calling MPs from opposing sides of the House. These initial exchanges are typically followed by questions from the Leader of the Opposition, who is entitled to ask up to six questions. However, they are not required to use all their allotted questions or to ask them consecutively. William Hague, for instance,during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition (1997-2001), often chose to forgo some of his questions. This strategic approach prevents the PM from utilizing their sixth response to deliver a pre-prepared political statement. After another question from an MP of the governing party, the Speaker then calls upon the leader of the second-largest opposition party—currently Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats —who is allowed to ask two questions. Following this, the Speaker continues to call on other MPs, adhering as closely as possible to the order paper while maintaining the alternating pattern between government and opposition benches.

Why do some MPs stand up and sit down during PMQs?

The Speaker possesses full discretion in determining which MPs to call upon and the duration of their speaking time. They may also invite MPs not listed on the order paper to contribute, provided these MPs express their intention to speak by standing up from their seats—a practice commonly referred to as ‘bobbing’. The Speaker frequently selects these MPs, particularly when the order paper lists an insufficient number of representatives from a specific side of the Commons. In advance of PMQs, MPs can present their case for a question to the Speaker. However, the Speaker has indicated that requests to be called during PMQs should be reserved for ‘exceptional circumstances’, such as the unfortunate passing of a constituent. This approach ensures that the proceedings remain focused and relevant to pressing issues.

Does the PM know in advance the questions they will be asked at PMQs?

The PM typically does not receive formal notification of the questions that MPs intend to ask. However, they may receive informal hints or advanced warnings. MPs are required to provide notice of the questions they wish to pose to ministers, which usually involves submitting a specific question that is subsequently printed on the order paper. During PMQs though, it has become customary for nearly all MPs to inquire about the PM’s official engagements for the day. Notably, only the first MP listed on the order paper actually asks this question. The Prime Minister typically responds with a standard reply, indicating that they have had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. Following this, the first MP is allowed to ask a supplementary question. Subsequent MPs then focus solely on their supplementary questions, avoiding the need to repeat the initial inquiry about the PM’s official engagements, which streamlines the process. The question regarding the PM’s engagements is intentionally broad, allowing for a wide range of supplementary questions that can address various topics. This flexibility enables MPs to raise current issues rather than being confined to subjects chosen nearly a week in advance. Most importantly, it allows MPs to keep the specifics of their questions concealed from the PM, adding an element of suspense to the proceedings. The dynamic of testing the PM’s knowledge of government policy and global events has become a key aspect of the PMQs’ drama. In practice, many MPs choose to disclose their questions in advance, giving the PM an opportunity to prepare a response. Periodically, MPs may opt to submit a closed question, which formally notifies the PM of the inquiry. In such instances, any supplementary questions must remain on the same topic.

How does the PM prepare for PMQs?

Preparation for PMQs starts on the Thursday prior to the session with the PM’s parliamentary private secretaries (PPSs) working to ascertain the topics that MPs on the order paper are likely to raise. In addition, civil servants at Downing Street start compiling a comprehensive briefing pack for the PM, which contains essential background information and draft responses tailored to each MP listed on the order paper, compiled by various government departments and approved by special advisers. In instances where PPSs are unable to predict the questions from opposition MPs—a commonoccurrence - the briefing pack includes scripts addressing all potential inquiries. Furthermore, the pack features detailed policy briefs that have been developed throughout the week and a dedicated political section, written by special advisers and party officials, which includes pre-prepared attack lines and supplementary research to bolster the PM’s responses. PMs typically dedicate several hours each week to prepare for PMQs, including evening sessions early in the week and a full morning on Wednesday. During this time, they endeavour to refine their attack lines, craft humorous remarks, and engage in role-playing exercises to anticipate and respond to potential questions. This rigorous preparation is crucial for ensuring that the PM is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of PMQs effectively.

Does the PM always attend PMQs?

PMs occasionally miss PMQs due to official commitments, which often include foreign travel or participation in international summits. Keir Starmer, for example, missed PMQs on 20 November 2024 because he was attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil. Personal reasons can also lead to their absence. Boris Johnson missed PMQs on 29 April 2020 due to the birth of his son. When a prime minister is unable to attend, a senior minister steps in to respond on their behalf. The selection of this replacement is determined by the government and can vary from one occasion to another. In recent decades, it has been common for the deputy prime minister to fill this role, when such a position exists. However, other senior figures, such as the minister for the Cabinet Office, the foreign secretary, or the leader of the House of Commons, may also take on this responsibility. Moreover, when the PM is absent, it is customary for a member of the shadow cabinet to represent the Leader of the Opposition at PMQs.

Keeping order at PMQs

PMQs is one of the high points of the weekly parliamentary schedule in terms of attendance in the Commons, yet it is often criticized for being too unruly and partisan to function as an effective mechanism for scrutinizing the government. The Speaker of the House plays a crucial role in maintaining order during PMQs. When the Speaker stands, all MPs are expected to remain silent. If this expectation is not met, the Speaker may employ informal methods of persuasion, such as publicly rebuking a disruptive MP by name or warning members that they will not be called to ask a question if their behavior does not meet the established standards. In cases of more severe disruption, the Speaker has the authority to order an MP to withdraw from the House for behavior deemed ‘grossly disorderly’. In 2022, for example, Conservative MP Paul Bristow was ordered to leave PMQs after repeatedly heckling the then Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer. Should an MP refuse to comply with the Speaker's order, the Speaker may ‘name’ them, prompting an immediate vote in the House on whether to suspend the member. In 2022, Alba MPs Neale Hanvey and Kenny MacAskill were suspended for five days for defying the Speaker after staging a protest during PMQs and refusing to exit the chamber. Such an example illustrates the challenges faced in maintaining decorum during PMQs, as well as the Speaker's vital role in ensuring that parliamentary proceedings can be conducted effectively and respectfully.