What time is PMQs today? PM to face questions amid Rwanda controversy
The PM will face off with Labour’s Keir Starmer today at this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions – with the government’s Rwanda plan likely to be top of the agenda.
The controversial Rwanda plan has condemned many Labour politicians, royals, celebrities and senior figures of the Church of England. Labour has called the plan unethical whilst the Church has called it ungodly.
The first flight to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda was grounded at the eleventh hour by the European Court of Human Rights last night.
Despite all the backlash and the grounding of the first flight, Priti Patel and the government have vowed to push forward. The government is confident it will win its legal battles to ensure other flights will go ahead.
What time is PMQs today?
PMQs will start at midday and usually last for around 30 minutes.
How can I watch PMQs live?
Follow along with the live TEXT here
PMQs is also broadcast through the UK Parliament
PMQs today – what should we expect?
The Rwanda plan is likely to dominate the 30-minute session after the last-minute grounding from the ECHR.
Priti Patel said after the decision: “I have always said this policy will not be easy to deliver and am disappointed that legal challenge and last-minute claims have meant today’s flight was unable to depart.
“It is very surprising that the European Court of Human Rights has intervened despite repeated earlier success in our domestic courts. These repeated legal barriers are similar to those we experience with other removals flights and many of those removed from this flight will be placed on the next.
“We will not be deterred from doing the right thing and delivering our plans to control our nation’s borders. Our legal team are reviewing every decision made on this flight and preparation for the next flight begins now.”
Another top subject expected at today’s PMQs is likely to be the PM’s plans to rewrite post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland – which have been heavily criticised.
What is the Rwanda plan?
The plan targets people who arrive in the UK by crossing the channel in small boats and dinghies.
These people will enter the Rwandan asylum system and will not be able to return to the UK. They will be placed in temporary accommodation while their applications are considered – a process that will take around 3 months.
Those who choose not to remain in Rwanda will be sent back to their country or a third receiver country.
PM Boris Johnson has said his government will not be “deterred or abashed” by criticism of a plan Sir Keir has described as a “chaotic distraction.”