The First Minister in Parliament

First Minister’s Question Time takes place on Thursdays from 12:00 to 12:45 when Parliament is in session. During this time the First Minister answers questions from opposition party leaders as well as other MSPs. It is the most popular session of Parliament.

Click here to watch FMQs live on Thursdays from 12 noon – 12.45pm.

When the Scottish Parliament is sitting, the First Minister – or in her absence, the Deputy First Minister – must appear in the main chamber at Holyrood for the weekly First Minister’s Questions (FMQs), to respond to questions from opposition and backbench MSPs.

Rules for First Minister’s Questions (FMQs)

An MSP may lodge only one question for answer at any First Minister’s Question Time.

An MSP must lodge a question after the current FMQ session has ended and before noon on the Monday preceding session in which the member wants the question to be answered.

The Presiding Officer in the Scottish Parliament may select, from all admissible First Minister’s Questions lodged, up to 6 questions for answer at First Minister’s Question Time.

Demand for tickets to First Minister’s Questions is extremely high. Find out how to book tickets for First Minister’s Question Time at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/12516.aspx

This clip shows First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s acceptance speech for the nomination of First Minister

Regular press conferences

The First Minister hosts regular news conferences in the drawing room of Bute House, where she engages with journalists who are based in the Scottish Parliament.

The events begin with a short statement from the First Minister, followed by an open question and answer session during which the attendees can ask any questions they like. The whole event is ‘on camera’ and is attended by around 30 representatives from the Scottish media.