PMQs: Poppy mayhem and miscounted questions

With both Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch absent, this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) saw unusual challenges for both parties.

Deputies fill in for leaders

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy stepped in on the Labour side, while the Conservative Party was represented by Shadow Secretary of State for Defence James Cartlidge, a relatively lesser-known MP.

Historic moment for Labour

At the dispatch box, Lammy made history as the first black person to answer PMQs on behalf of the government.

Focus on asylum in Tory questions

Cartlidge directed all six of his questions to asylum issues, highlighting the controversy surrounding the Epping hotel and the mishandled release of Hadush Kebatu.

The Hadush Kebatu case

Kebatu, an Ethiopian migrant, arrived in the UK by small boat in June.
He was housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping.
In July, Kebatu was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
This led to anti-immigration protests outside the hotel and a council effort to stop housing asylum seekers there.
In September, Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
On 24th October, he was mistakenly released, causing a police search.
He was later re-arrested and deported to Ethiopia.

"Lammy made history as the first ever black person to answer Prime Minister’s questions on behalf of the government."

"Cartlidge chose to focus all six of his questions on asylum."

The chaotic session reflected the complexity of leadership changes and sensitive issues dominating the current political scene.

Author’s summary: This PMQs session was marked by historic representation and intense focus on asylum controversies, highlighting political tensions amid leadership absences.

https://politicsuk.com/ — 2025-11-06