I owe the introduction to a certain Indian woman, long ago in NY. Yet, I have made it my own. Prime Minister's Questions during the Blair era became a wonderful treat to be served for the weekend palate (not enough time during week). “Chocolate” at the end of a week; hand in hand with enjoying the Times on a Sunday brunch in NY. An exercise in democracy like none other, a dream activity that should be a regular staple in any country. Every week, on Wednesday, the PM of the UK goes in front of the Members of Parliament and fields questions on the most varied of topics.
It is during these sessions full of “ayes” and “nays”, of people addressing anything but polite questions with preceding “honourable gentlemen” or “lady” statements, that I learned about the NHS and hear the latest events in Bristol or the British Army.
Yet, twas not the knowledge per se or even the most amusing British accents emanating from the opposition (“But Mr Prime Ministah…”, with Michael Howard’s uncanny accent), that attracted me to the sessions, twas the accountability and the expectation that tis the head of state that should respond to the issues. PMQ is not about a Press Secretary address to reporters, or a Congressional session. PMQ tis about the PM fielding questions and about knowing the intricate details of government and describing them in an eloquent manner. Similar to the WHCA dinner, tis about bringing the PM from its pedestal and making him “human”, allowing him to step out of a choreography and allowing him/her to err.
Always thought how Dubya would have done in such circumstances? I am almost sure, Obama would have flourished (American public would be greatly benefited from such an interaction and from the inability of the other side to pose probing questions).
Well, once again, I leave you here with the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XzMWL1Cgk4
PS: Curious to know more about PMQ, I skipped entire chapters of the Blair bio during my layover in Jo’burg last year to go straight to the PMQ section. Of particular interest was how he prepared and dealt with such verbal volleying. To my surprise, he mentioned the 30minutes that the sessions last and the a priori preparation as the most nerve wracking. Whom would have thought!?
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