Press briefing: morning 25 October 2013
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the economy, energy, Grangemouth, HS2.
Economy
Asked what the Prime Minister’s (PM) reaction was to the latest GDP figures, the PMS referred to the PM’s tweet.
Energy
Asked if there was interest in bringing in a windfall tax, the PMS said that the PM had been clear about the need to roll back energy bills. Work was ongoing and the details would be outlined in the Autumn Statement.
Asked who supplied the power to Downing Street, the PMS confirmed that this was supplied via the Cabinet Office.
Asked if reforms could push up inflation, the PMS said that the PM was keen to help hard-working families bring down their bills and roll back charges.
Grangemouth
Asked what the PM’s response was to Grangemouth re-opening, the PMS said that PM welcomed that both sides were talking. Clearly it was an important business for Scotland and the UK, and government wanted to see the company survive. Any progress in that direction was encouraging.
HS2 Bill
Asked about support for the HS2 Bill, the PMS said that there would be a Bill going through the House soon and the government was supporting that. Government is backing HS2 as it was important for the country and it would increase capacity and growth.
Asked what the PM’s views were on re-nationalising railways, the PMS said that the Government’s policies on railways were the PM’s views.