Require the Prime Minister to directly answer questions at PMQs
PMQs is a vital part of parliamentary democracy, allowing MPs to hold the Government to account on behalf of the public. There is widespread concern that the PM frequently fails to directly answer the specific questions asked during PMQs. Responses often consist of pre-prepared statements.
Signatures
7
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 7/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 7/100,000
- 20 APR 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action: Introduce standards for answers to PMQs to be enforced by the Speaker https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762566
- 01 APR 2026Petition created
Background
We therefore call on the House of Commons to debate and consider changes to its procedures and conventions so that:
• The Prime Minister is expected and required to provide a direct and relevant answer to the substance of questions asked at PMQs.
• The Speaker is empowered (or encouraged through updated guidance) to remind or direct the Prime Minister to address the specific question when it is clear that the response is evasive or unrelated.
This would help restore public confidence in PMQs as a meaningful accountability mechanism