Press briefing: morning 29 October 2014
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson answered questions on Qatar, immigration and the EU Referendum Bill.
Qatar
When asked about the Emir of Qatar’s visit and whether the Prime Minister would raise concerns about World Cup construction workers, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesperson (PMOS) said he expected the issue would be discussed, and that the UK continued to offer expertise and learnings associated with 2012 Olympics.
Immigration
When asked about immigration, the PMOS said non-EU migration is close to its lowest level since 1998. Alongside the reforms already under way and having an impact, the Prime Minister has clearly set out his determination to get the reforms this country needs, the PMOS added.
When asked about the Public Accounts Committee’s report into the UK’s border and immigration system, the PMOS said the government continued to put in place measures to improve border controls. There will be exit checks in the UK by April 2015 as the timetable set out, the PMOS added.
EU Referendum Bill
When asked about the EU Referendum Bill, the PMOS said the Prime Minister had set out his determination that all UK citizens have the chance to express their views in an in-out referendum by end of 2017.