Why is there no PMQs today?
There is no Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) today as the House of Commons remains on its Easter recess.
Most Wednesdays see PM Rishi Sunak face off against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, but whilst the House is in recess, PMQs is cancelled.
When is PMQs back?
Parliament returns from its Easter break on Monday 17 April, so the next PMQs will be on Wednesday 19 April, at its usual time of midday.
The session – like always – will be live-streamed on the UK Parliament YouTube channel, and airs live on BBC News and Sky News.
You can also follow along on the WTX News live page for the live stream and blog updates.
What are politicians up to whilst Parliament is in recess?
PM Rishi Sunak will hold a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden, who arrived in Northern Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. He is expected to visit Stormont’s main political parties as part of his visit and will underscore America’s “commitment to preserving peace and encouraging prosperity” in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, Tory MP John Howell has become the latest Conservative to announce he will not run at the next general election.
He said: “By the time of the end of the next Parliament I will be coming up towards my mid-70s. I do not want to be in Parliament until that time as I would like to pursue other avenues.
“I am a strong supporter of Rishi Sunak and I hope that the South Oxfordshire Conservative Association will continue to get behind him.”
Labour’s five-point plan
For Labour, Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves will visit Great Yarmouth today as the Labour Party launches its five-point plan to “revitalise local high streets”, warning “thousands of pubs, shops and bank branches” have closed.
Sir Keir said: “Britain’s businesses already give so much to our economy, and hold a huge amount of potential and promise just waiting to be unlocked.
“But they’re being held back by 13 years of Tory economic failure. The Tories crashed the economy, and business and working people are still paying the price on higher interest rates.
“With our five-point plan, Labour will work in partnership with businesses and local communities to get our high streets thriving again.”