PMQs: Poppy Mayhem and Miscounted Questions
With Prime Minister Keir Starmer attending the COP 30 climate summit in Brazil, the Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on 5th November saw deputies step in, leading to disorder on both sides.
Deputies Replace Starmer and Kemi
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy stood in for Labour, becoming the first Black person to answer PMQs on behalf of the government. For the Conservatives, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence James Cartlidge took the floor.
Focus on Asylum Issues
Cartlidge directed all six of his questions to asylum matters. He highlighted the controversy surrounding the Epping hotel and the mishandled release of Hadush Kebatu, a recent migrant from Ethiopia.
"Kebatu was a migrant from Ethiopia and arrived in the UK on a small boat in June of this year. Following his arrival, Kebatu was accommodated in the Bell Hotel in Epping."
Background of the Kebatu Case
- In July, Kebatu was arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a teenage girl.
- The arrest triggered anti-immigration protests outside the Epping hotel.
- The local council tried to block the hotel's use for asylum seekers.
- In September, Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
- He was mistakenly released on 24th October, prompting a police manhunt.
- Kebatu has since been re-arrested and deported to Ethiopia.
"His arrest sparked anti-immigration protests outside the Epping hotel, and a court case in which the council attempted to block the use of the hotel to house asylum seekers."
Lammy's historic role and Cartlidge's asylum-focused questioning marked a tumultuous PMQs session with significant political and social implications.
Author's summary: The recent PMQs session was marked by historic firsts and intense asylum debates, underscoring ongoing tensions over immigration policies and political representation.