Press briefing - afternoon 5 March 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the PM's speech on the economy, Brazilian visas, ECOFIN meeting, Sir David Nicholson, Military bases and Section 75.
Economy speech
Asked why the PM felt he had to make a speech on the economy now the PMS said that it was an opportunity for the PM to set out his case around Britain winning in the global race and the policies the government was taking.
Brazilian visas
Asked what the government’s position was on visas for Brazilians the PMS said that Home Office were the lead department for migration matters.
ECOFIN meeting
Asked if the PMS could talk around ECOFIN discussions the PMS said some progress had been made, that the process of discussion will continue over the coming weeks on how these rules were implemented and we would be active in those discussions.
Asked if we had given up on blocking the cap on bankers bonuses the PMS said the government would have a series of discussions with other member states and that remuneration was only one part of the capital requirements directive 4 which was being discussed in Brussels. That there were very large parts of the directive that we had supported very strongly and pushed for.
Sir David Nicholson
Asked if the PM’s position remained the same on David Nicholson the PMS said that the PM’s had set out his view in a statement and his views remained the same.
Military bases
Questioned if the PM was comfortable that enough has been done with the disruption caused by bringing back soldiers from Germany the PMS said the PM fully shared the approach and views that the Defence Secretary set out in the House recently.
Section 75
Asked if the PM regretted confusion over the redrafting of Section 75 the PMS referred to what Norman Lamb had said in the House that the right thing to do was to make sure there was no doubt or concerns about our policy intention, which was unchanged.