Prime Minister question time SCRUTINY

Question 1

What are PMQs

Answer 1

These are questions given to the PM by opposing or backbench MPs to highlight government issues and policy that takes place every wednesday

They give the opportunity for the opposition to highlight government flaws and try embarrass the government as questions arent known in advance

Question 2

what are the advantages of PMQs 1.

Answer 2

• Its a well-regulated, formal system with recognised rules and proceedings, meaning it can run efficiently and effectively as many questions can be asked.
• As the PM doesnt know the questions beforehand it means the sessions have a spontaneous element allowing potentially greater accountabilities
• The question time is well recognised by people who follow politics allows it to be a high profile to raise issues and find the governments accountable. high media attention.
• It puts Pm on the spot as they cant rely on their party Whips but even though theyre briefed, Tony blair called the PMQ time as a “terrifying ordeal”

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of PMQs

Answer 3

• 30 mins once a week has been criticised for not being long enough and can be said to be more theatrical than political as the sessions can turn into 30 minutes of politicians insulting each other
• There can be planted questions by members of the leaders own party in order to make them look successful which can take away from the point of these questions
• They are prepped before hand and can tactfully avoid questions.

Question 4

Examples;

Answer 4

• opinion polls show that 84% of the public think MPs are childish and unprofessional in PMQs undermining the publics confidence in parliament
• Jeremy Corbyn asked Theresa May about whether she was to blame for the destruction of the ‘Windrush’ generation’s landing cards during one PMQs session, in which May refused to answer that question and decided to just use her answers to blame the last Labour Government. This shows that this way of scrutinising as it isnt detailed.