Question Time

Question 1

Point

Answer 1

Parliamentary representatives can successfully hold government to account through Question Time.

Question 2

Explain 1

Answer 2

Question Time is when the Prime Minister and First Minister answer questions from MPs and MSPs, mainly from opposition parties, and defend their government’s actions. It gives opposition leaders a chance to challenge the government and highlight its weaknesses. The Prime and First Minister must justify their decisions in response. It is one of the most watched and attended parliamentary sessions, broadcast live and widely covered in the media, especially when leaders struggle to give effective answers.

Question 3

Example 1

Answer 3

In March 2025, Russell Findlay used FMQT to challenge John Swinney on lowering the school-leaving age to 14, linking it to the widening attainment gap under the SNP. Swinney responded with statistics on educational improvements, but Findlay effectively highlighted SNP failures, arguing too many young people were being left behind.

Question 4

Analysis 1

Answer 4

This would suggest that Findlay emphasises ongoing educational failures, particularly for disadvantaged students, forcing the government to address its shortcomings in tackling inequality.

Question 5

Rebuttal

Answer 5

However, whilst Question Time has its merits in holding the government to account it fails to do so fully.

Question 6

Explain 2

Answer 6

By carefully choosing which issues to address, they can manage their public image and avoid prolonged questioning that might expose weaknesses or generate negative publicity.

Question 7

Example 2

Answer 7

For example, Keir Starmer has used FMQ for his own gain and publicity, rather than it being used as a tool for accountability to hold himself and his government to account by using the time to highlight the difference in Labour and SNP’s stance on weapons.

Question 8

Analysis 2

Answer 8

This shows that Keir Starmer uses FMQ to boost his public image by highlighting policy differences with the SNP on weapons, prioritising political gain over holding his own government accountable.

Question 9

Link

Answer 9

Overall, Question Time clearly has limited effectiveness as the government can control the narrative, avoid tough questions, and manage public image through carefully crafted responses. Politicians, like Keir Starmer, sometimes use FMQ for political gain, rather than focusing on holding the government accountable, limiting its ability.