PMQs

I was working at the time of Prime Ministers Questions yesterday, and did not see the of hear the exchange between the PM and Leader of the Opposition which has caused some controversy in context. I have read and heard various extracts put together by people with a particular spin - from both sides - on what happened.

I can say only three things.

First, whatever we may think of his criticisms of Sir Keir Starmer, I hope we can all agree Rishi Sunak was right to praise the “compassion and empathy” of Esther Ghey, mother of the murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, adding that he thought she “demonstrated the very best of humanity in the face of seeing the very worst of humanity”.

Secondly, I agree with the comments of the MP for Bishop Auckland, Dehenna Davison, who tweeted that

"The debate around trans issues often gets inflamed at the fringes. As politicians, it’s our job to take the heat out of such debates and focus on finding sensible ways forward, whilst ensuring those involved are treated with respect. Given some of the terrible incidences of transphobia we have seen lately, this need for respect feels more crucial than ever." 

The third thing I would say is that although the PM has been accused of making "transphobic slurs" allthe quotes and clips I have seen of his comments yesterday seem to be mocking not trans people, but the leaders of the opposition, for a long list of his repeated U-turns. 

Unless the PM actually said something hostile to trans people - which would have been absolutely wrong - then this whole argument is accurately summed up by the Chief political correspondent of Spiked, Brendan O'Neill, in this article.

Comments

Jim said…
I really don't like PMQs at all. Firstly it seems totally pointless, I mean in theory its a nice idea that MPs get to ask the PM questions every week, but since PMs never actually answer the questions its a bit of a waste of everyone's time.

The behaviour of members during, what is generally a verbal slagging each other off match, shouting, jeering and cheering is also very undignified. If anything the weekly session only acts to worsen the opinion of parliament to the public, and even those visiting the UK or watching from abroad.

9:57 am
Chris Whiteside said…
I totally get where you are coming from on this, Jim, the standard of conduct of MPs on all sides at PMQs is often not pretty.

However:

Imperfect as they are, however much they often look like a bear pit, Britain is far better run as a result of PMQs than it would be if they didn't exist.

Prime Ministers and ministers dread being made to look stupid at PMQs or at questions to ministers, either because they have to explain why something has gone badly wrong or because they are made to look as if they are not on top of their brief if they give answers which show they don't know what is going on. And this happens in front of both the media and other MPs.

Past Prime Ministers have said that they felt physically sick before going to answer questions at PMQs.

It matters.

It means that in a real sense ministers are held to account when there is a screw-up. And they in turn will hold civil servants to account when they are put in that position.

No, it's not perfect, but it serves an important function.
8:28 am
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