Press briefing - morning 25 February 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) gave a readout of the PM's meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry.
Meeting with John Kerry
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) gave a brief readout of the PM’s meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry. There were ongoing discussions on Syria, Iran and other fragile states as well as discussions on the recent trade agreement between the EU and US. Asked whether the Falkland Islands were discussed, the PMS said that they were not.
Questioned on the allegations against Lord Rennard, the PMS said that it was a matter for the Liberal Democrat Party. The PM’s stance on harassment more broadly was that it was unacceptable.
UK credit rating
Asked what the government reaction was to the UK’s credit rating downgrade, the PMS said that the downgrade was a very clear message that Britain could not stop dealing with its debts. It may take some time, but the government was sticking to the right plan. The deficit had already been reduced by a quarter and the OBR had forecasted the debt falling in 2016/17.
Asked how long it would take to regain the AAA rating, the PMS said it was a matter for the credit rating agencies, but the Government would continue with its economic plan to maintain the confidence that Britain could pay its way.