Downing Street Says » 2004

» Monday, November 15, 2004

Chirac Visit

Asked if the US/European relations over the Middle East were something that the Prime Minister and President Chirac would discuss later in the week, the PMOS said that it was inevitable that they would be part of the talks, but the discussion would focus on looking ahead to the Presidency of the G8, and the EU, including issues such as Africa.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Hunting

Asked what the Government was proposing to do about the compromise over the Hunting Bill that was discussed at the Leeds Castle conference, the PMOS answered that not only was it was a free vote in the House, but also that the Prime Minister still believed in the compromise set out by Alun Michael, and that it was the best way forward. He said it was better to wait and see what the House of Lords did.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Fallujah

Asked if the Prime Minister thought the operation in Fallujah had been a success, the PMOS replied that in terms of moving into the city and dealing with insurgents, then yes, but the operation continued and it was still dangerous there. What was now important was to switch the focus into reconstruction, as had been done successfully else where.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comment (1)

Disbursals/Appeals Process

Asked if the Government accepted its policy for disbursals and appeals was a shambles, the PMOS said that it was not, and he referred to the story where what was usually a routine process had been hyped up into something different. It was routine for people to assess the level of disbursal in one particular area, and if it was reaching the level that local people in authority thought was the limit, then they could suspend it. It was a routine process.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments Off on Disbursals/Appeals Process

EU Single Market

Asked if the Prime Minister shared the Chancellor's view that there were fundamental criticisms that concerned the EU single market, the PMOS replied that in terms of the need to keep the reform process going and step up the rate of reform, then of course. The Government believed that reform was the way to a stronger EU economy. It had never been said that the process of reform in a single market was near completion, but the Government still wanted to push it through, especially in the services area, but also in other too, including procurement.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Northern Ireland

Asked how significant the Paul Murphy statement that would be coming up in the House later in the day was, the PMOS replied that Paul Murphy would be welcoming a statement from the UDA that it would be ceasing its activities. It was a welcome statement, and obviously, people wanted to see it implemented, as people would judge it by deed, not just word. What it said, above all, however, was that events in Northern Ireland were still moving in the right direction, despite all the difficulties in getting the final steps to be taken. All the different groups, one by one, were moving to where the people of Northern Ireland want them to be, i.e. an end to all paramilitary activity. The pieces of the jigsaw were coming together, bit by bit.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Smoking

Asked if the Prime Minister fully endorsed John Reid's approach to public health and in particular, the one-step-at-a-time approach to a partial smoking ban in public places, the PMOS replied that the answer to the first question was yes, but it would be better to wait for the White Paper to come out tomorrow, before commenting on the second.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

» Friday, November 12, 2004

Ulster Defence Association

Asked if the Northern Ireland Office was going to recognise the UDA ceasefire today, the Prime Minister's Spokesman (PMS) said later that she couldn't comment on speculation at this stage.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Pro Hunt Supporters

Asked what the Prime Minister's message would be to the pro hunt supporters protesting outside Parliament next week, the PMS said that the Hunt Bill was still being debated in the Lords, and we would not comment on the bill until the process was completed.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (6)

Smoking

Asked what the Government's views on a smoking survey which showed that poorer people were more likely to smoke, the PMS said that people should wait until the Public Health White paper, which would be published next week.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

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» Monday, November 15, 2004

Chirac Visit

Hunting

Fallujah

Disbursals/Appeals Process

EU Single Market

Northern Ireland

Smoking

» Friday, November 12, 2004

Ulster Defence Association

Pro Hunt Supporters

Smoking

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