We Asked People in the Street If They Care About PMQs

Broadcast live on TV every Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister's Questions is one of the most public arenas in British politics for MPs to represent the views of their constituents. Coincidentally, it also happens to be one of the most ridiculously juvenile "debates" our politicians regularly participate in.

Last week it came into the limelight after it literally descended into "your mum" jokes. The rhetoric at PMQs has always resembled what you'd find tossed around a boarding school common room, but this seemed to take it to the next level – a discussion about issues of national importance carried out in the style of Jeremy Kyle.

This poses the question: is PMQs the best thing on daytime TV? And, more importantly, does anybody actually watch it? We hassled some strangers in the street to find out.

Chris, 25, Head of Video at a Digital Media Company

VICE: Do you watch PMQ's?
Chris: I do when [clips] come up on Facebook afterwards.

Why do you watch it?
Because it's hilarious. I think it's turned from a serious discussion into lads' banter between ex-schoolmates who are trying to take the piss out of each other.

So you see it as entertainment?
Yeah, it's not political any more, it's just entertainment.

Do you mind that it's not political?
I've never really been interested in politics, so I'm not too bothered, but it gets me a little bit because you should be there to discuss serious issues rather than laying into Corbyn's shirt.

If you had one question to the Prime Minister what would it be?
Why is his forehead so big?

Neil, 50, Handy man

Do you watch PMQs?
I used to, but not any more. I've lost confidence in the system. I believe that the answers have been reached before the questions have been posed.

Do you think Jeremy Corbyn's kinder, gentler politics could sway you otherwise?
One of the reasons I split up with my girlfriend was because of my views on this. She was a big Corbyn fan. I am 50 years old, and in the time I have been alive nothing has got better in regards to who is voted in. I believe that whoever controls the money controls the country, and it's evident – even the major players who started with good intentions end up in the pockets of whoever the country is indebted too.

If you had one question to the Prime Minister what would it be?
Oh wow, you should supply me with a box of tissues for that one. That's a very exciting prospect. I would dearly love to get him to say where our money comes from. I have never borrowed any money in my life and yet I am in debt. How does that work?

Julian, 23 Customer Services

Do you watch PMQs?
Yes, I watch the highlights online.

Do you watch any other political programmes?
Yeah, I watch bits online, especially now with the EU debate, as I'm from France. I want to know what's going on with it because, in my opinion, it's a bit of a mess!

What's your opinion on how PMQs is run?
I think it's really childish, which is a shame, because they are always talking about important topics. Especially as it is broadcast on TV – they should be more serious.

Are political debates much different in France?
No, it's the same, really – it's just a classroom full of boys.

Amy, 27

Do you watch PMQs?
No, I don't, sorry. My knowledge on politics is so bad – it's embarrassing. My friends are quite good on it, but I only really found out who Jeremy Corbyn was four weeks ago.

So you're not really interested in British politics?
No, I am, I just have no filter for British politics. I think I have more knowledge about what's going on in the world rather than my own country.

Do you watch any sort of political TV programming?
If I'm at the gym on the machine and the news is on I'll watch it there. Otherwise, I'll watch Sky Sports News at home because my boyfriend has it on the whole time. Yeah, it's really bad.

If you had one question to the Prime Minister, what would it be?
I felt so bad about not knowing anything so I recently registered to vote. I'm going to vote in the EU referendum, but I know nothing about it, so I'd ask the PM the best arguments for and against the EU.

I think I know which argument he'd tell you.

Linden, 28, Digital Communication Manager

Do you watch PMQs?
No, I don't know what that is.

Do you ever catch up with politics?
No. The only time it's ever on my mind is during the election, and I think that's the same for a lot of people in my generation.

Why do you think you're not fully interested in politics?
I think it's a case of it not being instilled in us from a very young age to take notice of politics.

If you had one question to the Prime Minister, what would it be?
Actually, yeah – I'd ask if he is actually going to enforce the London living wage for interns, because I feel so sorry for all the interns who aren't getting paid enough money.

Ellie, 23, Travel Manager

Why do you watch PMQs?
No.

If you had one question to the Prime Minister, what would it be?
It would be to do with living in London. London pay should be increased in my opinion – I'd ask him about that.

@ameliadimz

More from VICE:

Revealed: One in Ten Local Councils Are Moving to Criminalise the Homeless

The Government Is Blocking Our Right to Find Out Their Plans for the NHS by Hiding in a Safe Space

Why Marching in an Anti-Nuclear Rally Is Both Logical and Completely Futile