9.4.4 The purpose and nature of ministerial question time, including Prime Minister's Questions.

The Purpose and Nature of Ministerial Question Time, Including Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs)

Overview

1. Purpose of Ministerial Question Time

1.1. Holding the Government to Account:

• MPs question ministers to hold them accountable for their departments' actions and policies, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.

• Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, MPs frequently questioned the Health Secretary about the government's response to the crisis, including vaccine rollout and public health measures. 1.2. Informing and Clarifying:

• Ministerial Question Time allows MPs to seek clarification on specific policies and decisions, helping to inform the public and parliament.

• Example: Questions directed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about economic support measures during the pandemic provided crucial information on schemes such as furlough and business grants. 1.3. Representing Constituents:

• MPs use this opportunity to raise issues on behalf of their constituents, ensuring that local concerns are addressed at the national level.

• Example: MPs from coastal constituencies have questioned the Environment Secretary about coastal erosion and flood defences, reflecting their constituents' environmental concerns.

2. Nature of Ministerial Question Time

2.1. Scheduled Sessions:

• Each government department has a designated time slot for questions, typically on a rotating schedule.

• Example: The Home Office answers questions on a regular basis, covering topics such as immigration, policing, and national security. 2.2. Structured Format:

• Questions are usually submitted in advance, although there are opportunities for supplementary and spontaneous questions.

• Example: During a Home Office question session, an MP may submit a question about border security, followed by impromptu follow-up questions to probe the minister's responses further. 2.3. Oral and Written Questions:

• Questions can be posed both orally, during the scheduled sessions, and in writing, with written responses published in Hansard.

• Example: Written questions about detailed statistics on public health or crime rates allow MPs to obtain specific information without requiring immediate oral responses.

3. Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs)

3.1. Overview:

• PMQs is a weekly event, typically held every Wednesday for half an hour, where the Prime Minister answers questions from MPs.

• Example: PMQs is a high-profile parliamentary event, attracting significant media attention and public interest. 3.2. Format and Procedure:

• The Leader of the Opposition is allotted six questions, while other MPs can ask single questions. The session begins with a routine question about the Prime Minister's engagements, leading to a range of topical questions.

• Example: Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, uses his six questions to challenge Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on key issues like healthcare, the economy, and government integrity. 3.3. Nature of the Debate:

• PMQs is known for its robust and often adversarial exchanges, providing a platform for the opposition to scrutinise the Prime Minister directly.

• Example: In recent PMQs sessions, topics such as the government's handling of the NHS backlog, inflation, and the war in Ukraine have been prominent.

4. Importance and Impact

4.1. Accountability and Transparency:

• PMQs and ministerial question times are crucial for holding the government accountable in a public forum, enhancing transparency and democratic oversight.

• Example: The government's response to the energy crisis has been scrutinised heavily during PMQs, forcing the Prime Minister to justify policy decisions and provide detailed explanations. 4.2. Informing Public and Parliament:

• These sessions inform both the public and parliamentarians about government actions and policies, contributing to informed debate and decision-making.

• Example: Questions about the impact of Brexit on trade and immigration policies have clarified government strategies and highlighted ongoing challenges.

• *4.3. Political