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An Insider's Guide to Prime Minister's Questions

Jonathan Hayes

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Published in Punch And Judy Politics: An Insiders Guide To Prime Minister S Questions

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Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) is a weekly session in the House of Commons where the Prime Minister faces questions from Members of Parliament (MPs). It is a lively and often raucous affair, with the Prime Minister and opposition leaders trading barbs and trying to score points off each other. But behind the theatrics, PMQs is also an important opportunity for MPs to hold the government to account and to scrutinize the Prime Minister's policies.

PMQs takes place every Wednesday at noon in the House of Commons. The session lasts for 30 minutes, and is divided into two halves. In the first half, the Leader of the Opposition has six minutes to question the Prime Minister. In the second half, other MPs have up to three minutes each to ask questions.

Punch and Judy Politics: An Insiders' Guide to Prime Minister’s Questions

by Noam Chomsky

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Language	:	English
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The Prime Minister is not obliged to answer any questions that he or she does not want to, but they usually try to give as much information as possible. However, they are often evasive or defensive, and opposition MPs will often try to trap them into making a mistake.

PMQs is a highly partisan affair, with the Prime Minister and opposition leaders often trading insults and trying to score points off each other. However, it is also an important opportunity for MPs to hold the government to account and to scrutinize the Prime Minister's policies.

Here are some tips for watching PMQs:

Be prepared for a lot of noise. PMQs is a lively and often raucous affair, so be prepared for a lot of shouting and heckling.
Pay attention to the body language. The body language of the Prime Minister and opposition leaders can tell you a lot about how they are feeling. For example, if the Prime Minister is looking nervous or defensive, it may be a sign that they are under pressure.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand something, or if you want to know more about a particular issue, don't be afraid to ask a question.

PMQs is a fascinating and important part of British parliamentary democracy. It is a chance for MPs to hold the government to account and to scrutinize the Prime Minister's policies. It is also a great opportunity to see how the Prime Minister and opposition leaders perform under pressure.

A photograph of Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister is standing at the dispatch box, facing the Leader of the Opposition. They are both flanked by their respective MPs. The chamber is full of people, and there is a lot of noise and excitement.