Political Currency EMQs: Is PMQs just 'political theatre'?
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Nov 17, 2025 Prime Minister's Questions is dissected as a form of political theatre, revealing misunderstandings about its purpose. Ed Balls highlights the significance of the Speaker's procedural powers while discussing David Lammy’s recent performance. The hosts explore the complexities of cross-party support—when it can be beneficial and when it may trap the opposition. They critically analyze the UK's decision to withhold funding at the COP summit and debate the chances of rejoining the EU under similar terms, including challenges like the euro and free movement.
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PMQs Are Political Theatre
- PMQs functions primarily as political theatre rather than a literal Q&A session.
- George Osborne says MPs ask known questions to score points, not to extract new information.
Lammy's PMQs Misstep And Aftermath
- Ed Balls recalls David Lammy hesitating at PMQs after being given incorrect facts at the dispatch box.
- Lammy then refused to return to clarify, which harmed his standing more than the initial slip-up.
Speaker Should Avoid Subjective Judgement
- The Speaker shouldn't police whether answers satisfy questioners because that drags them into politics.
- Ed Balls says procedural tools exist instead for holding ministers to account after the event.
