Press briefing: afternoon 14 March 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the Leveson Inquiry, Pope Francis and Qatar investment.
Leveson
Asked what the amendments on Monday will involve the PMS said the PM will use the Crime and Courts Bill to table the minimal legislative clauses that are needed to put into place the system of exemplary damages.
Asked what the tone of the call was like the PMS said the tone as per the discussions over the recent weeks was good natured, but clearly on the substance there were still significant differences.
Questioned if there was anything specific that persuaded the PM to hold a press conference earlier on in morning the PMS said there has been a process of cross party talks going on over a number of weeks around the Royal Charter proposal. However it was clear that there were differences and clear that the government’s legislative programme is being affected by this and the PM believes the right thing to do is for the House to debate and decide the right way forward.
Pope Francis
Asked if the PM hopes to raise the new Pope’s view on the Falklands with him at some stage the PMS said the PM has very warmly welcomed the election of Pope Francis and in relation to the Falkland Islands the Argentinian government is well aware of the government’s view.
Qatar
Asked if the government was in talks with Qatar about a £10 billion investment in the UK the PMS said the British government is very keen to demonstrate that the country is open for business and is talking to a range of potential investors into the UK and that making the UK an attractive location for foreign investment is central to the government’s economic approach.