Press briefing: morning 30 October 2014
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson answered questions on a drugs study, Employment Support Allowance and a Jerusalem holy site.
Drugs study
When asked about a international drugs comparators study published by the Home Office, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesperson (PMOS) said it considered reflections on the approaches to tackling drug abuse taken by 13 countries. The PMOS added the government continued to pursue a balanced evidence-based approach to tackling drug abuse and this was working - demonstrated by a continued decline in drug use.
Employment Support Allowance
When asked about reports that the government planned to cut Employment Support Allowance (ESA), the PMOS confirmed there were no plans to do this.
Jerusalem holy site
When asked about the closure of a holy site in Jerusalem, the PMOS said that the UK’s objective was to work closely with the international community to reach a 2-state solution and to call on a de-escalatory approach on both sides. The PMOS added that that Israel had obligations under international law to protect holy sites in East Jerusalem, so as to enable freedom of worship.