PMQs: Poppy Mayhem and Miscounted Questions
With Prime Minister Keir Starmer absent at the COP 30 climate summit in Brazil, the 5th November PMQs saw disorder from both sides as deputies took over the usual questioning roles.
Deputies Stand In During PMQs
Labour was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, who made history as the first Black person to answer Prime Minister’s Questions for the government. For the Conservatives, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence James Cartlidge took the stand.
Focus on Asylum Issues
Cartlidge devoted all six of his questions to asylum matters, highlighting the controversy surrounding the Epping hotel and the mishandled release of Hadush Kebatu.
"Cartlidge chose to focus all six of his questions on asylum. He began by bringing attention to the Epping hotel controversy and recent botched release of Hadush Kebatu."
Details on Hadush Kebatu Case
- Kebatu, a migrant from Ethiopia, arrived in the UK via a small boat in June 2025.
- He was accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Epping.
- In July, Kebatu was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a teenage girl, triggering anti-immigration protests outside the hotel.
- The council sought to block use of the hotel for asylum seekers during the court case.
- In September, Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
- On 24th October, he was mistakenly released, prompting a police manhunt.
- He has since been re-arrested and deported to Ethiopia.
"Following his arrival, Kebatu was accommodated in the Bell Hotel in Epping. In September Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in prison. On the 24th October he was mistakenly released, sparking a police manhunt."
Both parties faced difficulties managing the session with substitutes leading to a tense PMQs.
Summary: Deputy MPs filled in for Starmer and Kemi, highlighting asylum issues amid chaotic Prime Minister's Questions, including the high-profile mishandling of Hadush Kebatu's case.