Press briefing: afternoon 16 October 2014
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson answered questions on EU justice and home affairs measures, the PM's Milan visit and EU migration.
EU justice and home affairs measures
When asked about EU justice and home affairs measures, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesperson (PMOS) said the government had exercised the UK’s right to opt out from all EU police and criminal justice measures that pre-dated the Lisbon treaty – adding that it was fully engaged in negotiations with the EU to rejoin a much smaller number of measures which were in the national interest. The PMOS concluded that it would keep Parliament informed about this important matter.
When asked about the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), the PMOS explained how it brought significant benefits to UK law enforcement in fighting cross-border crime, protecting the public and bringing criminals to justice – adding that it must be operated fairly with appropriate protections in place.
Milan
When asked about the Prime Minister’s visit to Milan, the PMOS said that the main purpose of the meeting was to meet with other leaders to talk about stabilisation of the situation in Ukraine.
EU migration
When asked about EU migration, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister would be addressing concerns on this issue from the British public and final decisions had not yet been taken.