PMQs: Poppy mayhem and miscounted questions

PMQs: Poppy Mayhem and Miscounted Questions

With both Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch absent, this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) saw disruptions on both sides. The usual confrontation was replaced by deputies stepping in to represent their parties.

Substitute Speakers at PMQs

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy stood in for Labour, while the Conservatives were represented by the less well-known Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, James Cartlidge.

Historic Moment for Labour

By answering PMQs, Lammy became the first Black person to do so on behalf of the government, marking a significant moment in parliamentary history.

Conservative Focus on Asylum

Cartlidge concentrated all six of his questions on asylum-related issues, highlighting the controversy surrounding the Epping hotel and a recent case involving a migrant, Hadush Kebatu.

Hadush Kebatu Case

Kebatu arrived in the UK from Ethiopia by a small boat in June.
He was housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, sparking protests after his arrest in July for the sexual assault of a teenage girl.
The local council attempted to stop using the hotel to accommodate asylum seekers.
In September, Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
On 24th October, he was mistakenly released, triggering a police manhunt before being re-arrested and deported to Ethiopia.

"Kebatu was a migrant from Ethiopia and arrived in the UK on a small boat in June of this year... He has since been re-arrested and deported to Ethiopia."

Both sides faced challenges during PMQs, reflecting the impact of the absence of key leaders and the contentious issues dominating the session.

Author's summary: During a turbulent PMQs, deputies replaced absent leaders, with Labour marking a historic first and the Conservatives focusing heavily on asylum controversies involving a migrant's case.

https://politicsuk.com/ — 2025-11-06