Why do MPs stand up during PMQs in the House of Commons?
EVERY week the Prime Minister of the UK participates in Prime Minister's Questions, also known as PMQs.
PMQs gives members of Parliament the opportunity to quiz the Prime Minister on a variety of political issues but many members of the public have their own question about the proceedings - and that's why MPs are often seen standing up in the House of Commons.
Why do MPs stand up during PMQs?
PMQs take place every Wednesday and sees the current Prime Minister - Tory Rishi Sunak - face questions from MPs.
Visitors can watch PMQs in person but only if there is space in the gallery.
Other MPs may represent the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition on the occasions when either or both cannot attend.
PMQs is overseen by the Commons Speaker.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle was elected as Speaker of the House in 2019.
MPs tend to stand up during Prime Minister's Questions to catch the Speaker's attention.
They stand up to indicate to the Speaker that they have something to say regarding the topic being discussed.
The speaking order is usually determined in advance and MPs have the option to request to be called to speak.
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They can do so if they feel they have expertise in a certain topic.
Backbench MPs wishing to ask a question must enter their names on something called the Order Paper.
The slots in which MPs are allowed to talk are distributed at random.
The speaker will then call on MPs to put their questions, one MP from the government benches is followed by one from the opposition benches.
MPs who are not selected may be chosen to ask a question if they "catch the eye" of the speaker.
The process of doing this is by standing before the Prime Minister gives an answer, which is why we see MPs standing.
What are the general rules during PMQs in the House of Commons?
The usual rules of behaviour and civility that are in place during normal Commons debates also apply to PMQs.
This may come as a surprise to members of the public who have witnessed a PMQ session as MPs can often be seen jeering, cheering and booing in the House of Commons.
The government has published official guidance on how MPs should behave in the Commons.
The guidance was agreed by the Speaker and Deputy Speakers.
One of the topics covered in the guidance is the dress code, with MPs advised that the way in which they dress "should demonstrate respect for your constituents, for the House and for the institution of Parliament in the life of the nation".
In short, this means business attire only, with no jeans, sportswear or trainers allowed.
MPs are also told to "give a slight bow to the Chair" when entering and exiting the Chamber, as a gesture of respect to the House.
There is a whole section on Parliamentary language in the guidance, with "good temper and moderation" being suggested and a warning that "abusive or insulting language used in debate will be required to be withdrawn immediately".
There are also plenty of rules that are specific to the weekly PMQ sessions.
During PMQs, it is common practice for MPs to table an "engagements" question which can be seen by everyone in the Order Paper.
In practice, this means that the MP can ask the Prime Minister a question without the text of that question being printed.
Once an MP with a question on the Order Paper has asked their question and the Prime Minister has replied, the Speaker usually calls other MPs to ask a supplementary question.
The question doesn't have to be on the same subject.
Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition - Labour party's Sir Keir Starmer - is permitted to ask a total of six questions.
They are the only MP who is allowed to come back with further questions.