Prime Minister’s Questions At UK Parliament; How To Get Tickets

PM Questions runs every Wednesday when Parliament is sitting where you can watch proceedings for FREE from the public gallery. Whilst the UK Parliament run paid tours throughout the year, this is a chance to watch democracy at work without having to fork out for the privilege. Running from 12 noon every Wednesday Parliament is sitting, PMQ’s is a notable event in the Prime Minister’s calendar where he/she comes under scrutiny from fellow MPs.  Find out how UK residents can apply for free tickets via their MP plus information on how those without a ticket, including overseas visitors, may also be able to attend.

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Houses of Parliament

Prime Minister’s Questions; How To Apply For Free Tickets

Prime Minister’s Questions, often known at PMQ’s, offers Members of Parliament on all sides of the chamber an opportunity to scrutinise the Government.  This fast-paced 30 minute session, allows MP’s to directly question the Prime Minister over a wide range of topics and makes for interesting viewing from the public gallery. Running each Wednesdays at 12 noon when Parliament is sitting, UK residents can apply for advance tickets that will guarantee entry into the public gallery.  Overseas visitors, and those without a ticket, can also watch PMQ’s if there’s available space in the gallery.

UK residents can apply for free tickets to attend the public gallery for PMQ’s via their MP or a Member of the House of Lords.  Requests should be made as far in advance as possible as each MP may only request 2 PMQs tickets per month, (subject to availability).  Simply email your local MP with your request, being as flexible as you can with dates, whilst taking account of when Parliament is sitting. We did exactly this recently and within the month we were allocated complimentary tickets for the public gallery.  Find out more below on how to get the most from your visit.

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Ticket to PMQ’s in the public gallery

Prime Minister’s Questions; Free Tickets To The Public Gallery

Your PMQ tickets for the public gallery are held at the Admissions Order Office ready for collection on the day.  Worth noting that tickets that are not collected in time might be reallocated to those waiting for a spot in the public gallery.  The Admissions Order Office is situated within the central lobby so you’ll need to pass through security before picking up your tickets. Queues can build around security so it’s important that you make your way to the Cromwell Green entrance allowing sufficient time these checks.  Once through security, head directly through St Steven’s Hall to the central lobby to collect your tickets.  You will be asked to sign an undertaking around behaviour – this is your ticket into proceedings!

With your ticket in hand, you’ll be directed to watch the Speakers Procession that takes place at 11.28am from the Central Lobby.  We suggest that you watch this close to the entrance of the Admissions Order Office.  This position allows you to witness the Speaker passing through into the chamber but also has you in prime position as they re-open the doors to allow you into the public gallery.

PMQ’s; How To Watch Without A Ticket

Whilst those with tickets for PMQ’s are guaranteed entry into the public gallery, (as long as you successfully make it through security and arrive on time), there are options available to those without tickets. Whilst there is no guarantee of entry, overseas visitors and those without a ticket, can queue at the Cromwell Green entrance and will be admitted should space allowed.  Visitors Assistants will be able to inform you how long your wait is likely to be but remember space is subject to availability.

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Houses of Parliament

Prime Minister’s Questions From The Public Galley

Having watched the Speaker’s Procession and re-entered the Admissions Order Office to gain access to the public gallery, there is a second line of security where you will need to leave bags & belongings. You’ll then be directed to a seat on the long benches within the gallery.  Even if you are first into the gallery, unfortunately front row seats are reserved for particular ticket holders but I would say all seats had a good view of the chamber with a tv to the side should your view be obscured. We managed to secured seats on the 4th row with an excellent view of proceedings although worth noting that you are tightly packed into the row, with little personal space, to ensure every space is filled.  Arriving promptly into the gallery also allows you a chance to get your bearings & watch the Prime Minister and notable MP’s enter the chamber to take their seats on the front benches.

Interesting to watch The Speaker keep a tight rein over PMQ’s that rather surprisingly runs perfectly to time. Viewing from the public gallery gives you a bird eye view of events unfolding before you in the chamber.  You can also look across to the press gallery and probably see notable journalists there too.  PMQ’s runs from 12 noon – 12.30pm before moving onto other business in the House.  Whilst many people leave at this point, you are fee to remain in the public gallery to observe our democracy in operation for the remaining session.

As you have already passed through security, you are free to wander around St Steven’s Hall and make use of the on-site cafe. Don’t leave without a visit to the gift shop that is packed with House of Commons/House of Lords branded gifts – we’re always swayed by the House of Commons after dinner mints!

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Houses of Parliament

PMQ’s Tickets; What To Look Out For

1. PMQ’s runs each Wednesday from 12 noon – 12.30pm when Parliament is sitting.

2. Entry to the public gallery is free for all visitors.

3. UK residents can apply for free tickets for PMQ’s via their local MP or via a Member of the House of Lords.

4. MPs have a limited number of tickets so requests should be made as far in advance as possible. Be flexible with your dates to give yourself the best chance of securing tickets.

5. Allow sufficient time to enter the Houses of Parliament to collect your tickets. Tickets that are not collected in time might be reallocated.

6. Those without a ticket, including overseas visitors, can watch PMQs if there is space in the gallery, (subject to availability).

7. Occasionally, other MPs may represent the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition at PMQs when either or both cannot attend.

8. Look out for the water fountain located near to the cafeteria entrance where you can fill up water bottles.  On-site toilets are also available close to the gift shop.

9. Don’t forget to stop off at the gift shop for some branded souvenirs of your visit!

10. Find our more about guided tours within our Houses Of Parliament Guide.