Press briefing - afternoon 13 March 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the Leveson Inquiry, alcohol pricing and EU budget.
Leveson
Asked about the PM’s meeting with other party leaders on the Leveson Inquiry the PMS said it lasted around 45 minutes, that it was a good meeting and that cross party talks are continuing.
Asked if the was any sign of agreement in the meeting the PMS said that the progress of discussions remains on-going.
Asked if he could remind us about the timetable the PMS said that the leader of the House will bring forward a motion that allows time in the Crime and Courts Bill debate for the Leveson implementations relating to press conduct to be discussed.
Alcohol pricing
Asked if the PM still stands by the comments made last year in a Department of Health strategy document where he stated that a minimum alcohol pricing would be introduced, PMS reiterated the PM’s position as made in the House during PMQs - the government is looking at the responses to the consultation but be in no doubt we have got to deal with the problem of having twenty or twenty-five pence cans of larger available in supermarkets.
EU budget
Asked about the European Parliament’s vote on the EU budget the PMS said the PM’s view on the issue of the EU budget for the next seven year period is that the 27 EU member states have set the credit card limit and that’s the right agreement. The PMS said that there is a process of discussion between the EU institutions going forward over the next few months but the PM’s view is very clear and remains unchanged.