Prime Minister's Question Time

Prime Minister's Questions (or PMQs) in the House of Commons is an important aspect of parliamentary practice, where the Prime Minister spends 30 minutes every Wednesday answering questions from MPs. Issues and grievances can be raised, and information can be sought about the Government's plans. Subjects raised during Prime Minister's question time vary widely and usually include the key issues of the day.

Opposition MPs will normally use this as an opportunity to try and catch the prime minister out with an awkward question, whereas Government backbenchers will usually ask 'helpful' questions, allowing the PM to tell the House about successful government policies.

MPs are given the opportunity of asking a question by entering their names on the Order Paper. These names are then shuffled to produce a random order in which they will be called by the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Prime Minister's question time begins with a question from an MP asking the PM to list his engagements for the day. After the Prime Minister has responded, the MP may then raise an additional question; often one of current political significance.

The Leader of the Opposition then follows up on this or another topic. He is allowed to ask six questions (usually asked in two groups of three), and the leader of the third largest party (currently the Liberal Democrats) is allowed to ask two. The Speaker will try to alternate between government and opposition questioners.

Prime Ministers are not normally given any advance warning of the questions, and must be able to think on their feet in order to respond. The way the PM handles the questions is often seen as a key indication of their overall performance.