Summary

  • PM Rishi Sunak has been taking questions from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and other MPs in the House of Commons

  • Sunak starts by vowing to "end the bloodshed in Sudan" and paying tribute to those carrying out the ongoing evacuation of British nationals

  • There has been criticism of the government's handling of the crisis, with diplomatic staff airlifted out first and claims that other countries acted faster

  • Starmer accuses Sunak of failing to tackle poverty and the cost of living, asking: "Is he just clueless about life outside of his bubble?"

  • Sunak says it's the "same old Labour Party" talking about "more spending, more borrowing"

  • It's just over a week until the local elections, with campaigning focused on issues such as the cost of living and crime

Live Reporting

Edited by Dulcie Lee and Heather Sharp

  1. Analysis

    What might come up in PMQs?

    There's plenty on the agenda.

    Rishi Sunak is likely to give an update on the evacuation of British nationals from Sudan.

    There has been criticism of the government's handling of the crisis, as some point out that other countries acted faster when fighting broke out.

    With just over a week until local elections in parts of England and in Northern Ireland, there is likely to be plenty of focus on bread-and-butter issues like the cost of living and crime.

    The prime minister and other Conservatives are expected to make much of this morning's news that the government has met its 2019 election manifesto target to recruit 20,000 more police officers in England and Wales.

    On the cost of living, Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill has said people need to accept they are poorer, otherwise inflation will carry on rising.

    Later today, the government's plans to deter migrants Channel crossings will be debated by MPs. Tories believe their "stop the boats" message is popular with voters. Opposition parties say the government has repeatedly failed to get a grip on the issue.

  2. Sunak's first PMQs after ally quits

    Dominic RaabPA Media

    This will be Rishi Sunak's first PMQs since his close ally Dominic Raab resigned as justice secretary and deputy prime minister.

    Raab quit after a bullying inquiry found he acted in an "intimidating" and "aggressive" way towards officials.

    In his resignation letter, Raab criticised the inquiry as "flawed" and later accused "activist civil servants" of trying to block the work of government.

    The prime minister's spokesperson said Sunak did not regret appointing Raab to be his deputy.

    But Labour accused him of being weak for failing to sack Raab.

  3. Sunak leaves No 10 for the Commons

    Rishi Sunak has emerged from the famous No 10 door, and is on his way to the Commons for his weekly round of questioning.

    It's a short drive to Parliament, and it means the debate is not far off so stay with us.

    Sunak leaves No 10

  4. Welcome to our coverage of PMQs

    Dulcie Lee
    Live reporter

    It's that time on a Wednesday when eyes turn to the House of Commons for Prime Minister's Questions at 12:00.

    Labour leader Keir Starmer and other MPs from across the political spectrum will be grilling Prime Minister Rishi Sunak just days after his former deputy Dominic Raab resigned after an investigation into bullying claims.

    Sunak is also likely to face questions about the government's response to the crisis in Sudan, as the Foreign Office and military are scrambling to evacuate British nationals after violence engulfed the capital, Khartoum.

    We'll bring you live updates and analysis throughout. Stay with us.