Summary

  • Criticised over the state's pension policy, the PM says the government is committed to the triple lock

  • He did not specify that this would extend beyond the next general election

  • It follows Commons questions about maintaining the state pension triple lock beyond the next general election

  • Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asks the PM why Wandsworth escapee Daniel Khalife was not held in a category A prison

  • The PM says such escapes are "extremely rare" and confirms an investigation has begun

  • He is also pressed about China spy claims after a Commons researcher was arrested

  • Sunak defends the UK's position on relations with China, saying it aligns with international allies

  • You can watch live by clicking the play button at the top of this page

Live Reporting

Edited by Jamie Whitehead and Jasmine Taylor-Coleman

  1. Sunak leaves Downing Street for PMQs

    Here's a photo of the PM walking through that famous front door, on his way to the House of Commons. He's carrying a folder thick with notes to help him prep for his weekly grilling.

    Rishi SunakGetty Images

  2. Pension triple lock increase likely to ignite debate

    Pensions are another issue that could be raised by Keir Starmer.

    A significant rise in the state pension is expected in April under what is known as the triple lock. This means the state pension will match whichever is highest - average earnings, inflation or 2.5%.

    On Tuesday Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride refused to commit to raising the state pension to match official overall earnings figures.

    If you’re unsure what all this means, read our full article here.

  3. UK economy shrank by 0.5% in July

    A protestor holds up a sign that reads 'SOS NHS' at the junior doctors' strike in AugustEPA

    One of the big stories today is the news that the UK's economy shrank more than expected in July - partly due to strike action by NHS workers and teachers.

    The wet weather also hit the construction retail industries, the Office for National Statistics said, causing the economy to shrink by 0.5%.

    Rishi Sunak has repeatedly stated that the economy is his top priority, and he could well face questions on this in the Commons.

  4. What could come up at PMQs today?

    There are plenty of topics for MPs to get their teeth into today.

    • Earlier this week, it emerged that a parliamentary researcher was arrested over accusations he spied for China. The news has raised questions about security, as well as the UK’s wider relationship with China – with some Tory backbenchers urging the government to take a tougher stance against the super power. The man in question has denied the allegations
    • The economy could be another issue that comes up. This morning the Office for National Statistics said the UK wet weather and strike action had caused the economy to contract by 0.5% in July – more than had been expected
    • MPs may ask why so few NHS patients have been able to get cannabis medicine, despite a 2018 law change aimed at making it easier to access
    • Another subject which is creating tricky questions for the two main political parties is whether or not to keep the triple lock – a mechanism which ensures the basic state pension is raised at the same pace as average earnings, prices or 2.5% - whichever is the higher

  5. Jasmine Taylor-Coleman
    Live reporter

    It's nearly that time again - this week's PMQs is coming up at 12.

    As ever, we don't know exactly what's going to come up but we'll be looking out for questions on the economy - after GDP shrank by more than expected in June - and the alarm about claims of Chinese spies trying to infiltrate government.

    Rishi Sunak, recently returned from the G20 summit in India, will be on his way to the Commons any minute. So stay with us. And remember, you can watch it all unfold live at the top of this page.