Press briefing: morning 30 June 2014
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the creative industries reception and Europe.
Creative industries reception
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) was asked a number of questions about the invite list, logistics and press arrangements for the creative industries reception at the Foreign Office and the dinner at Downing Street. The PMS explained that there would be around 600 guests at the reception from across film, music and theatre while the dinner itself would be smaller and would mostly consist of executives of companies from the industry.
He explained that the Prime Minister often holds receptions and events for leaders of industry. The creative industries are worth £70 billion to the UK economy, and the Prime Minister is keen to find out how we can do better still in this area.
Europe
The PMS was asked a number of questions about whether the Prime Minister’s views on Europe, in terms of repatriating powers back to the UK from Brussels, had changed further to Mr Juncker being appointed. The PMS responded that the Prime Minister’s views had not changed and were the same as outlined in his speech at Bloomberg.
Asked about what was discussed during the Prime Minister’s call with Mr Juncker the PMS responded that they had had a constructive call and had discussed what the next steps for the commission were. He pointed to the Prime Minister’s words in the Telegraph, where he said that now that Mr Juncker was appointed it was important to work with him to secure UK national interests.