What is PMQs?

PMQs, or Prime Minister's Questions, is a weekly session in the House of Commons where MPs question the Prime Minister. It takes place every Wednesday at noon when the Commons is sitting and lasts about 30 minutes. The Leader of the Opposition gets six questions.

PMQs began in its current weekly form in 1997. Earlier it ran twice a week for 15 minutes. MPs enter a ballot to ask a question. Most start by asking the PM to list their engagements, then ask a follow-up on any topic. The Leader of the Opposition can ask up to six questions, and the leader of the second largest opposition party gets two. PMQs is often noisy and partisan. Critics say it is more about scoring points than getting answers. Supporters say it forces the PM to know about everything the government does. Clips from PMQs often lead the evening news. The Speaker can tell MPs off for heckling. Prime Ministers prepare for hours beforehand, with aides rehearsing likely questions. Other ministers face regular question times too.