WATCH PMQS HERE – LIVE – FROM MIDDAY
What time is PMQs today? Starmer and Sunak face off – What will be discussed and what time is the Grenfell statement?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will face opposition leader Rishi Sunak for the first time since summer recess as Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) returns. It’s only Starmer’s second PMQs since becoming prime minister in July.
What time is PMQs?
PMQs starts at its usual time of midday and will last around 30 minutes.
After PMQs will be the Grenfell debate after the inquiry’s final report is published this morning. The damning report blames the fire – that killed 72 people – on a chain of failures by successive governments, dishonest companies and a lack of strategy from the fire services.
The prime minister will likely mention the report in his opening statement before making a full statement in response to the report when PMQs is over – MPs will remain in the Commons for a debate.
Where to watch PMQs?
You can watch PMQs Live from the UK Parliament YouTube channel.
It will also be streamed on major channels including BBC and Sky.
What will be on the agenda?
A lot has happened since Starmer took office, and with this being only the second Prime Minister’s Questions there will be much to discuss.
October Budget – expect this to be a big part of the session as the PM has warned the budget will be “painful” as the government need to fill the £22bn black hole.
Winter fuel payments – Chancellor Reeves has already announced around 10 million pensioners in England and Wales will lose their winter fuel payments. The Tories will have much to say about this as their key supporters tend to be pensioners.
Ukraine and Middle East wars – Ukraine is pushing for the West to allow long-range strikes on Russia and for more air defence systems. Elsewhere, the UK has suspended the sale of some arms to Israel over fears of war crimes.
Riots and UK crime – the far-right riots and looting that took place this summer, fuelled by lies on social media, are expected to be another big talking point as MPs have not yet had the chance to quiz the PM on the issue or the punishments.