Press briefing: afternoon 4 June 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson answered questions on Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), James Caan, lobbyists, same sex marriage and Syria.
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)
Asked what the Prime Minister thought about the future of RBS, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) said the report by the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards would be considered when it had been finalised. More widely, he pointed out that the Prime Minister’s view had not changed and it was important that RBS continued to be a strong and safe bank that supported the British economy.
James Caan
Asked if the Prime Minister would help his children find work following comments attributed to James Caan, the PMS said that every parent wants the best for their children. He said the issue was what the government and others did to ensure that no matter where someone is from they are able to succeed in life and fulfil their potential, which was why the government had policies such as apprenticeships. He also pointed out that there had been over one million apprenticeships since 2010. Asked a follow up question on whether it was a good idea to work with celebrities, the PMS said governments had often sought to get a range of views to help develop policies.
Lobbyists
Asked about the government’s work on introducing a statutory register of lobbyists, the PMS said the government had been giving consideration to the right way forward for some time.
Same sex marriage
Asked about the same sex marriage debate, the PMS said a very comprehensive process of debate in Parliament was continuing that day.
Syria
Asked whether the Prime Minister met with foreign counterparts to discuss Syria, the PMS said that the government was in a permanent dialogue with its allies on a range of subjects, including Syria. He said the G8 Summit would be an important opportunity for the Prime Minister to discuss Syria with other world leaders.