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TV Series
The Resume
(1961- )
30 minutes
Broadcast live on C-Span 2 every Wednesday at 12 PM British Time/7 AM Eastern
Repeated on C-Span Sunday evenings at 9 PM and 12 AM Monday Eastern
Betty Boothroyd - Speaker (1992-2001)
Michael Martin - Speaker (2001- )
Margaret Thatcher (1979-90)
John Major (1990-97)
Tony Blair (1997- )
Originated by Prime Minister Harold Macmillan
Premise: Prime Minister (PM) of the United Kingdom (UK) answers questions from Members of Parliament (MPs)
Theme song is 'Music for Royal Fireworks' by Friedrich Handel
Why Prime Minister's Questions might be annoying
Unfortunately, it originally was not televised and thus there are no videos of the early episodes. Although reportedly PM MacMillan's answers killed.
It is also called 'PMQ,' 'Prime Minister's Question Time' and 'British House of Commons Question Time'
PM John Major's bombed - his performance was weak and uncomfortable.
Before Blair was Prime Minister it was 15 minute sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.
When the House of Commons is not in session the replacement programming is weak. It is either interviewing ambassadors or Question Times in other Parliaments (Like Australia, Wales, Scotland or New Zealand).
The first question is fluff about the PM's schedule.
Since a number of questions are pre-written, a person will just say 'question #5.' Then they have to super impose the question on the screen.
The opposition leader gets special treatment and asks the first question and a number of follow ups.
The next leading party's leader is then allowed a question or two and then the floor is open up to the members (MP).
MPs who are junior members sit behind their party leaders and are called back benchers (how demeaning).
MPs from the PM's party ask softball questions.
The PM often directly avoid the question to work his agenda in, this usually is met with boos and groans from the opposition.
Although it goes on at 12 noon, the photo of Big Ben shows 6:27.
Why Prime Minister's Questions might not be annoying
Viewers are often shocked to find out others also watch it.
Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and Betty Boothroyd proved they could handle themselves well under fire.
It shows how democracy works.
After the PM answers a question, others who wish to ask a question stand, making for good TV.
It has been parodied on sketch comedy shows such as SNL
It looks like a lengthy Monty Python skit.
It gives us an insight into British humor (er humour).
Many of the insults are cloaked in the guise of my 'good friend' or calling the other guy, 'honorable' (er honourable).
Backbenchers are allowed to hoot and holler but sometimes are admonished by the speaker.
When Betty Boothroyd was speaker, she didn't take much nonsense and really had great cutting one liners.
'Question Time' is the most popular Parliamentary event, tickets are very hard to come by.
Although it is scheduled for 30 minutes it can last a bit longer or shorter.
The spin-off PM Question Times are not nearly as successful as the British version.
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Year In Review:
For 2009, as of last week, Out of 64 Votes: 71.88% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 29 Votes: 72.41% Annoying
In 2007, Out of 76 Votes: 63.16% Annoying
In 2006, Out of 113 Votes: 57.52% Annoying
In 2005, Out of 94 Votes: 53.19% Annoying
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