Press briefing: afternoon 11 September 2013
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson (PMS) answered questions about the European Union, Syria and allegations of sex selection abortions.
European Union
When asked what the PM thought of the President of the EU Commission saying that rolling back EU powers would lead to division, the PMS said the PM’s view that Europe needs fundamental change was forward-looking. The EU needed to be more flexible, adaptable and open.
Syria
Asked what activity the UK was currently taking around Syria, the PMS said the UK was in on-going discussions with France and the US around testing the Russian and Syrian governments’ commitment to handing over chemical weapons. Russia and Syria needed to demonstrate how bringing together a stockpile of weapons and destroying them could be credibly achieved. Asked if the UK would contribute troops to any international oversight effort, the PMS said there was no change in the UK’s position on military intervention.
Abortions
Asked if the PM thought the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was wrong not to prosecute two doctors who allegedly held sex selection abortions, the PMS pointed to the words of the PM in the House of Commons today.