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Question Time

Question Time gives MSPs the oportunities to ask government ministers questions about their roles. These take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon at 2pm. However, the most publicised opportunity is First Minister's Questions, which takes place on Thursdays at noon.

How does Question Time work?

• First Minister's Questions (FMQs) lasts for half an hour.
• Any questions must be lodged by MSPs in advance.
• Six questions are then chosen by the Presiding Officer.
• The first three questions are given to the largest opposition parties.
• As of the 2021 election, the largest opposition parties are the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Labour and Scottish Greens

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Question Time?

Question Time allows MSPs to scrutinise the government by highlighting any issues in Scotland. This forces ministers to defend themselves and their policies. It also allows the opposition parties the chance to put forward alternatives.

However, there is no rule against MSPs from the governing party asking questions. They can ask questions which highlight the successes of the government. Both this and time constraints can be argued to weaken the effectiveness of question time.

The Scottish Greens have since entered a formal cooperation agreement with the SNP which has given them representation in the government – two Green MSPs have become Ministers. Some have argued that this should mean that they lose their guaranteed weekly question.

Debates in Scottish Parliament

Debates are held in the chamber on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons on various subjects, including on Bills.

Bills

Bills are proposed new laws. Debates give MSPs an opportunity to adapt the Bill to best meet the needs of their constituents.

During the debates, the MSP can also scrutinise the government. They can do this by highlighting issues with the Bill and putting forward any amendments (changes). This means that the governing party would then have to defend their position.