Press briefing: afternoon 4 February
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Scotland and flooding.
Scotland
Asked whether the PM was pleased about the comments made by businessman Bob Dudley on Scottish independence, the PMS said that it was important that a leading investor and employer in the UK was raising this issue and Mr Dudley was making very important points.
Asked about the odds of an independent Scotland joining a currency union with the continuing UK, the PMS said that a number of government ministers including the Chancellor and the Scotland Secretary had said that a currency union would be highly unlikely.
Flooding
Asked whether the PM had any view on the comments by HRH The Prince of Wales about the government’s response to flooding, the PMS said that the PM had repeatedly said that the on-going situation was unacceptable. That is why the government is doing all it can, working with local authorities and the Environment Agency, to support the affected community.
Asked whether His Royal Highness had relayed these concerns to the PM before, the PMS said that it was a longstanding precedent that the government does not discuss correspondence or discussions with the Royal Household.