What time is PMQs today? When does UK prime minister Rishi Sunak face Keir Starmer in the Commons, is it on TV

The Prime Minister will face questions from the Labour leader about his decision to appoint Gavin Williamson to Cabinet.
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Rishi Sunak will face questions from Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs today after Sir Gavin Williamson resigned from Cabinet last night.

Williamson is said to have sent offensive text messages to former chief whip Wendy Morton, as well bullying other colleagues. Morton has lodged a formal complaint against Williamson, after he is said to have sent a text message filled with profanities to the former chief whip in regard to not being granted an invite to the Queen’s funeral in September. He is also accused of bullying a former Ministry of Defence colleague.

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Sunak, who was warned that the MP had a formal complaint lodged against him 24 hours before he took office, had previously said that he had “total confidence” in the MP amid the bullying allegations. Starmer is likely to quiz the new Prime Minister over this, especially after the pressure he has faced for reappointing Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.

The Labour leader is also likely question Sunak over former Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Met Out of Here!. His decision to appear on the ITV show has seen him have the Tory whip suspended by chief whip Simon Hart, who described the situation as “serious”.

Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak will face off at PMQs today. Credit: Mark HallKeir Starmer and Rishi Sunak will face off at PMQs today. Credit: Mark Hall
Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak will face off at PMQs today. Credit: Mark Hall

What time is PMQs today?

Prime Minister’s Questions will take place at its usual time of midday (12noon), with the session lasting for about half an hour.

How can I watch PMQs live?

PMQs is available to watch via a live stream on NationalWorld TV and on this page. It is also broadcast live on BBC News, Sky New and the UK Parliament YouTube channel.

What did Gavin Williamson say in his resignation letter?

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In his resignation letter to Rishi Sunak, Williamson said: “As you know, there is an ongoing complaints process concerning text messages I sent to a colleague. I am complying with this process and have apologised to the recipient for those messages.

Since then, there have been other allegations made about my past conduct. I refute the characterisation of these claims, but I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this Government is doing.

“I have therefore decided to step back from Government so that I can comply fully with the complaints process that is under way and clear my name of any wrongdoing. It is with real sadness that I tender my resignation, but I want to take this opportunity to offer my full and total support from the back benches. I am incredibly proud to have worked with you in Government over the last few years and during the campaign.”

What did Rishi Sunak say about the resignation?

In reponse to Williamson’s resignation, Sunak commended the former Minister’s “committment” to government. He said: “It is with great sadness that I accept your resignation. I know your commitment to successive Conservative governments and the party over the years has been unwavering.

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“I support your decision to step back and understand why you have taken it. I would like to thank you for your personal support and loyalty.

“I know you will continue to represent your constituents with diligence and care. I also want to express my gratitude for the work you have done for this Government.”

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