Press briefing: morning 12 November 2013
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the Cabinet agenda and Lynton Crosby.
Cabinet agenda
The PMS said that the agenda for the Cabinet meeting today included:
- Parliamentary business
- the Culture Secretary giving an update on 1st World War centenary plans
- Lord Green giving an update on the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
- the Health Secretary giving an update on the Francis inquiry
- the Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Secretary giving an update ahead of CHOGM which they are both attending.
Asked if there any more details on mid-Staffordshire, the PMS said that there would be a response to the Francis inquiry next week. This government’s drive was to put patients first, ensure the highest standards of care, and where there are failings, making sure a light is shone on them so they can be dealt with.
Asked if there was more information on the WTO, the PMS said that Lord Green was one of the vice-chairs for the talks being held in December. Lord Green gave an overview on cross-border trade and the push for liberalising trade. The recent EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement and negotiations with the USA were also mentioned.
Asked about the 1st World War centenary plans update at Cabinet, the PMS said the discussions were in the context of the Remembrance Day services held recently. The Culture Secretary updated Cabinet on the government’s plans and was joined by the PM’s special representative Andrew Murrison.
Lynton Crosby
Asked if Lynton Crosby had a Downing Street pass, the PMS confirmed that he did not.