Downing Street Says ... Every day the Prime Minister’s Spokesman meets a small coterie of political journalists known as ‘the lobby’ for a topical chat, or ‘briefing’.

Every day the Prime Minister's Spokesman meets a small coterie of political journalists known as 'the lobby' for a topical chat, or 'briefing'.

Downing Street Says... is an unofficial site that lets you read summaries of these briefings and add your own comments. Want to know more?

» Thursday, March 6, 2014

Teachers

Asked whether the PM thought teachers knew about the world of work, the PMS said the UK currently had the highest calibre cadre of teachers ever seen, who worked very hard. They were very knowledgeable ? not least about their own profession. original source.

» Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Scotland

Asked for the PM?s response to claims that RBS and Lloyds bank would have to move to London if Scottish Independence occurred, the PMS said questions were for the Scottish First Minister and the ?Yes? campaign. original source.

Sugar Tax

Asked whether the PM wanted to introduce a tax on sugar to curb obesity, the PMS said the government was working with industry to reduce salt, artificial fats and calories in foods. original source.

» Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Alex Salmond

Asked about Alex Salmond?s forthcoming speech that evening, the PMS said it was for Alex Salmond to answer questions on his interpretation of independence. original source.

Patrick Rock

Asked about the arrest of Patrick Rock, the PMS said when Number 10 were aware of potential offences they contacted the National Crime Agency immediately. Mr Rock resigned and was arrested. There was an ongoing police investigation. original source.

» Monday, March 3, 2014

Prosecution

In answer to a repeated question on suggestions that Number 10 had asked the police not to prosecute Nigella Lawson for drug offences, the PMS restated that the prosecution authorities were independent and prosecution was entirely a matter for them. original source.

Radicalisation

Asked if the PM agreed with Boris Johnson that children at risk of radicalisation should be taken away from parents, the PMS said that when it came to individual decisions around taking children into care, those would of course be decisions for the courts. He added that the through the Prevent Strategy we wanted all […]

» Friday, February 28, 2014

Badgers

When asked if the PM agreed with a leaked report that says the recent badger cull was ineffective and inhumane, the DPMS said that government had commissioned an independent panel to look into what lessons could be learnt, and when the report was received the recommendations would be studied. original source.

» Thursday, February 27, 2014

German Chancellor visit

Asked about the discussion the PM had with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on European reform, the PMS said that there was an ongoing discussion on the subject. original source.

» Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Angela Merkel visit

When asked for an update on what the PM and German Chancellor Angela Merkel would discuss around EU reform, the PMS said that the discussion would be on a wide range of EU reform related topics, including trade, the direction of the next European Commission and how powers can flow back to member states. original […]

» Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Peter Bone

Asked whether the PM had spoken to Peter Bone MP about an investigation into benefits, the PMS said there was a process going forward with appropriate authorities and it should be followed. original source.

» Monday, February 24, 2014

Scottish independence

Asked if the PM had sent a note of thanks to David Bowie following the Brit Awards, the PMS said he was aware that the PM had watched the Brits, but was not aware of any correspondence between the pair. original source.

Income Tax

Asked whether the PM was minded to simplify income tax, the PMS said the government would listen to the debate set out in the Ten Minute Rule Bill. original source.

» Thursday, February 13, 2014

Crown Prosecution Service

Asked whether the PM had confidence in the Crown Prosecution Service after recent trials had collapsed, the PMS said the PM did. Decisions for independent authorities were theirs to make. original source.

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