Press briefing: morning 10 July 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson answered questions on Start-up Loans, devolved legislation and Whitehall water supply.
Start-up Loans
Asked about the meeting on Start-up Loans that the Prime Minister would be attending, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) explained that the loans were one of the recommendations Lord Young made in his recent report. He said that today’s meeting is part of discussions to see what steps can be taken to target this option to people leaving our armed services.
Asked whether the loans could cover anything, for example, start-up security businesses, the PMS said that they are designed to encourage entrepreneurship and help people realise their ambitions to set up their own businesses. The PMS that the government wants to engage with charities and use the experience of people who are ex-servicemen and entrepreneurs.
Devolved legislation
Asked whether the government has plans to give English MPs a veto on devolved legislation, the PMS said that Sir William McKay has been looking into the West Lothian question, as set out in the coalition agreement and the government will look very carefully and constructively at his proposals. He referred media to the Cabinet Office for detail on Sir William McKay and the review.
Pushed on whether the government will accept the recommendations, the PMS said the coalition agreement set out that the government would consider this question. He said the report is a positive contribution to the consideration of how we deal with this issue. The government is considering his work and will respond in due course.
Whitehall water supply
Asked whether there have been problems with the water at Downing Street, the PMS said that there were problems last night in the Whitehall area.