Watch Prime Minister's Questions

Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) is a political program that airs weekly on BritBox. The program is a live 30-minute session that features the British Prime Minister responding to questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons. PMQs is a tradition that dates back to the mid-1800s and has since evolved and become an integral part of the British political system.

The show is hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, who acts as a referee and ensures that the debate stays on track. The Prime Minister takes their seat at the despatch box to face the opposition MPs who are seated opposite them. The Conservative Party sits on the right side of the Speaker, while the Labour Party sits on the left. The debate is televised live across the UK and is available to stream on BritBox.

PMQs is much more than just a question-and-answer session. It's a chance for MPs to publicly scrutinize the Prime Minister and hold them accountable for their actions. The questions asked can range from domestic issues such as healthcare, education, and housing to foreign policy issues like Brexit, trade, and international relations.

The Prime Minister must think quickly on their feet as they respond to the questions thrown at them. They may have prepared remarks, but they never know exactly what questions they will face. Conversely, the opposition MPs are given notice of their speaking slot, and can therefore take the time to prepare a strategically worded question that they hope will put the Prime Minister on the spot and elicit a favorable response.

The atmosphere during PMQs is often tense, with MPs from different parties shouting and heckling each other. Members are given the opportunity to ask one question per session, and the oral questions are limited to 30 minutes. Each political party gets a set number of questions to ask, with the opposition party given the most, and the rest of the time set aside for backbenchers and independents. The Prime Minister gets to have the last word, allowing them to close the session with their thoughts.

In addition to being an important tool for examining government policy, PMQs also serves as a platform for MPs to score political points. They can use their questions to showcase their own knowledge and challenge the Prime Minister on their policies and decisions. The session is also an opportunity for the Prime Minister to highlight their successes and to defend any accusations or criticisms that they might face.

PMQs has proven to be a hugely popular program, with millions tuning in to watch each session. It is a chance for viewers to get an inside look at the workings of Parliament and to see first-hand how the country's leaders respond to the issues of the day.

Overall, Prime Minister's Questions is a fascinating program that provides an insight into the workings of British politics. It is a showcase for the wit and eloquence of MPs from different political parties, as well as an opportunity for viewers to engage with the political process. The program is a must-watch for anyone interested in politics and in the role of the Prime Minister in British governance.

Prime Minister's Questions is a series that ran for 9 seasons (235 episodes) between and on BritBox