PMQs: Poppy Mayhem and Miscounted Questions
With Prime Minister Keir Starmer attending the COP 30 climate summit in Brazil, the 5th November PMQs saw an unusual disruption for both parties as deputies stepped in.
Deputies Stand In
On Labour’s side, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy stood at the dispatch box, making history as the first Black person to answer Prime Minister’s Questions for the government. The Conservative side was represented by Shadow Secretary of State for Defence James Cartlidge, a less prominent figure.
Focus on Asylum Issues
Cartlidge directed all six of his questions toward asylum matters. He highlighted the controversy surrounding the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping and the mishandled release of Hadush Kebatu.
"Kebatu was a migrant from Ethiopia who arrived in the UK on a small boat in June this year. He was accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Epping."
In July, Kebatu was arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a teenage girl. This caused anti-immigration protests outside the hotel and triggered a court case where the council sought to prevent the hotel’s use for asylum seekers.
After a September sentencing of 12 months in prison, Kebatu was mistakenly released on 24th October, igniting a police manhunt. He has since been re-arrested and deported to Ethiopia.
Summary
This PMQs exposed challenges within asylum policies and revealed historic milestones with deputies stepping in, reflecting both political tensions and evolving parliamentary representation.
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