PMQs: Poppy Mayhem and Miscounted Questions
With both Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch away, this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions turned into a challenging session for both government and opposition deputies. The absence of key leaders created a less familiar dynamic and moments of confusion across the chamber.
Deputy Leaders Take the Stage
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy stepped in for the Labour side, while the Conservatives were represented by Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge, a relatively little-known figure in the party.
Lammy Makes Parliamentary History
At the dispatch box, Lammy made history by becoming the first Black politician to answer the Prime Minister’s Questions on behalf of the government—a symbolic and defining moment for representation in Parliament.
Cartlidge Focuses on Asylum Policy
Cartlidge used all six of his questions to target immigration and asylum policies. He spotlighted the controversy surrounding the Bell Hotel in Epping and the mishandled release of an Ethiopian migrant, Hadush Kebatu.
Kebatu, who arrived in the UK on a small boat in June, was later arrested in July and charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
His arrest fueled anti-immigration demonstrations outside the hotel, while the local council sought legal ways to stop the site being used for housing asylum seekers.
A Mistaken Release and Aftermath
After being sentenced in September to twelve months in prison, Kebatu was mistakenly released on October 24, sparking a police manhunt. He was later re-arrested and deported back to Ethiopia, concluding a series of administrative errors that drew sharp criticism during PMQs.
Author’s summary: In a leaderless PMQs marked by substitute figures, David Lammy broke new ground as James Cartlidge ignited fierce debate over asylum policy and bureaucratic failures.