Is PMQs on today? Why there is no Prime Minister’s Questions after prorogation of Parliament
There’s no PMQs session today as Parliament was prorogued last week, putting an end to the most recent session.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer normally face each other every Wednesday to debate the biggest issues facing the UK.
The TV session gives the public a chance to judge the leaders as they vie for support ahead of the next general election.
When is the next PMQs?
The State Opening of Parliament for the new session will take place on Tuesday 7 November, but there is no PMQs scheduled until the following week – Wednesday 15 November.
A new parliamentary session always begins with the official State Opening of Parliament and a King’s Speech, in which the Government sets out the laws it wants to pass over the coming session. Parliament must then approve the speech by voting in favour of it.
What does it mean to prorogue Parliament?
Parliament runs in sessions that generally last for around a year, although the length can vary.
The act of proroguing Parliament brings to an end the current parliamentary session, with a short break before a new session begins.
Prorogation usually takes the form of an announcement, on behalf of the King, read in the House of Lords. As with the State Opening of Parliament, it is made to both Houses and the Speaker of the House of Commons, and MPs attend the Lords chamber to listen to the speech.
Parliamentary business which hasn’t been completed by the end of a session is normally brought to an end (meaning it can’t be picked up at the start of the next session).