Effectiveness of parliaments in holding government to accountWestminster: Question Time and debates
The main role of MSPs and MPs is to represent their constituents in parliament. Find out how they hold government to account through work on committees, Question Time and debates.
This takes place for an hour, Monday to Thursday, with government departments taking questions on rotation.
Prime Minister鈥檚 Question Time (PMQs) takes place on a Wednesday from 12-12.30pm.
Prime Minister鈥檚 Question Time (PMQs)
The leader of the opposition (currently Rishi Sunak of the Conservatives) gets to ask six questions. He can use this as an opportunity to highlight any perceived failings of the government and put forward alternatives.
Leaders of the other parties and backbench MPs also get the opportunity to ask questions. For those in opposition parties, their objective will be the same as the leader of the opposition.
MPs from the Prime Minister's own party will also be able to ask questions but may frame these in a way to allow the government to boast about their successes.
The Prime Minister does not get to see the questions in advance, but is briefed by advisors on areas that are likely to be asked about.
Debates in UK Parliament
Debates are held in the House of Commons on Bills (which is the name given to proposed new laws). Debates give MPs an opportunity to adapt the Bill to best meet the needs of their constituents.
During the debates, the MP 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.