When do the next Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) take place?

Sir Keir Starmer is gearing up for his first Prime Minister’s Questions since his party won the general election in June.

PMQs is a weekly event where the prime minister answers questions from Members of Parliament (MPs).

It typically takes place every Wednesday when Parliament is in session, allowing MPs to scrutinise the prime minister and hold the Government to account.

Now, after the 2024 general election, the House of Commons is set to look very different with the change in power from a Conservative to a Labour government.

Mr Starmer is now answering MPs’ questions after replacing Rishi Sunak as prime minister.

They have been discussing the seven suspended MPs who went against the party line in the vote on the two-child benefit cap on Tuesday.

Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain, Rebecca Long-Bailey, John McDonnell, and Zarah Sultana have been suspended from the parliamentary party for six months, after which their position will be reviewed, it was reported

But what happens at PMQs?

Here is everything you need to know:

Are PMQs being held today?

Yes, they are currently taking place now (Wednesday July 24) in the House of Commons and it is the first time Prime Minister Sir Keir is taking part since winning the election.

When and where do PMQs take place?

PMQs are held every Wednesday at noon in the House of Commons, part of the UK parliament, in the Palace of Westminster, London.

Each MP is allowed to book a limited number of tickets per month. Tickets are in high demand, but MPs try to accommodate requests from constituents.

Overseas visitors and those without a ticket can watch PMQs if there is space in the gallery. Those queuing on the day will likely experience a wait with no guarantee of entry to PMQs.

The visitor assistants will be able to inform you of how long your wait is likely to be.

You can watch previous PMQs on YouTube here.

What is the history of PMQs?

PMQs, which typically last about 30 minutes to an hour, have a history that dates back to the establishment of the modern UK parliament and has evolved:

1. Origins: The practice of questioning the prime minister in parliament has historical roots in the development of the parliamentary system in the UK. However, PMQs in its current form began to take shape more distinctly in the 1960s and 1970s.

2. Formalisation: The formalisation of PMQs as a weekly event started under former prime minister Harold Macmillan in the early 1960s. Initially, it was an informal arrangement where the prime minister would answer ad hoc questions from MPs.

3. Regularisation: During the premiership of Harold Wilson in the late 1960s, PMQs became a more regular event, occurring every week. This allowed MPs to question the prime minister directly and publicly on policy, government decisions, and current affairs.

4. Filming and broadcasting: PMQs were first filmed in 1989 and broadcast live from 1990 onwards. This step towards transparency and public accountability significantly increased the visibility of PMQs, making them a widely watched and discussed political event in the UK. These days, it is broadcast live on BBC Two and BBC Parliament.

5. Evolution: PMQs have become integral to the UK political landscape. The format typically involves the prime minister answering questions from MPs across different political parties, providing a platform for scrutiny and debate on key issues facing the country.

6. Impact: PMQs are crucial in holding the prime minister and the Government accountable to Parliament and the public. They allow MPs to raise their constituents’ concerns and to challenge Government policies in a public forum.

7. Continued relevance: Despite criticisms about the adversarial nature and sometimes theatrical style of PMQs, it remains an important tradition that highlights the principles of parliamentary democracy and the role of Parliament in scrutinising the executive branch.