Surge in Parliamentary Questions Attributed to AI Use
In 2025, key government departments faced a significant increase in the number of Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs) submitted by MPs and peers, with figures nearly doubling from the previous year. Analysts and government sources suggest that the rise may be linked to the adoption of artificial intelligence by some MPs, leading to concerns over the efficiency and relevance of these inquiries.
Record Numbers of Questions Submitted
The total number of WPQs soared to 90,331 in 2025, sharply rising from 49,125 in 2024. This surge represents a return to pre-pandemic question levels, as 2024’s figures aligned closely with the average seen over the past decade. Departments including Health, Home Affairs, Education, and Housing reported particularly high upticks – with the Housing Department experiencing the largest increase at 101%.
New MPs were prominent among those contributing to this growth, as some witnessed a ten or even twenty-fold increase in their submissions. Notably, just 10 MPs accounted for a staggering 20% of the total WPQs, with figures such as Lib Dem MP Al Pinkerton jumping from 36 to 721 inquiries and independent MP James McMurdock submitting 342 questions on a single day.
Allegations of Resource Diversion
Critics, including senior government officials, have accused MPs of squandering public funds by submitting overly generic or obscure questions. They argue that these inquiries divert civil service resources from critical issues and add to the bureaucratic burden on departments. One notably cited concern was the lack of apparent rationale for many questions, with suggestions that AI tools might have been employed to generate them efficiently.
MPs’ Defences and Perspectives
Despite the critiques, MPs have vigorously defended their questioning practices. Many view WPQs as vital tools for holding the government accountable and gathering essential information. Some MPs reported that the increase in inquiries stemmed from previous unanswered questions, while newer members expressed a learning curve in navigating the system.
Notably, MP Ben Obese-Jecty, whose inquiries increased from 150 to 1,683, insists that his questions are legitimate and grounded in current issues. He argues that the government’s failure to provide clear answers the first time leads to repeated questioning. He refutes any claims of using AI technologies to draft his inquiries, instead citing a personal system of tracking topics of interest on his phone.
The Chess Game of Parliament
Obese-Jecty compared the nature of WPQs to a strategy game, suggesting that each inquiry serves as a preliminary move in a broader dialogue with the government, ultimately aiming for more substantive discussions over time. His perspective reflects a common sentiment among MPs who believe that thorough questioning is indispensable for effective governance.
Implications for Civil Service Resources
Concerns persist regarding the stress placed on civil service departments, many of which are operating with limited staffing. Senior sources report that civil servants are spending significant portions of their time responding to WPQs, potentially hindering their capacity to focus on more pressing government initiatives.
In light of the current inquiry by the Commons Procedure Committee, which examines the limit on daily WPQ submissions, calls for reform are growing. Government officials warn that unrestricted submissions, especially with the potential integration of AI, could lead to inefficiencies and chaos within parliamentary procedures.
Background
The growth in WPQs arises amid a broader conversation about the role of technology in shaping political dialogue. As AI tools become more accessible, the concern about their impact on the integrity of parliamentary processes intensifies. Previous discussions surrounding governmental transparency and accountability have also highlighted the importance of effective communication between MPs and the civil service.
Source: Original Article
