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» Friday, June 25, 2004

Cabinet Committees

In the light of questions at yesterday afternoon's press briefing about the establishment of a new Cabinet Committee on UK-US relations, the Prime Minister's Spokesman (PMS) informed journalists that the Prime Minister had answered a PQ on 27 May this year in which he had listed the names, membership and remits of all the different Cabinet Committees and Sub-Committees, including the new Sub-Committee on UK-US relations. This information had been posted on the Cabinet Office website on the same day.

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

Guantanamo Bay

Asked if the Defence Secretary had been expressing the Government's view in an interview on the Today Programme this morning in which he had suggested that he didn't hold out much hope of persuading the US authorities to change their mind about the use of military tribunals to try those being detained at Guantanamo Bay, the PMS said that the we were continuing to work to resolve the situation with regard to the four remaining British detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Discussions were continuing. Asked if the Attorney General's position, as set out in his speech today, was the position of the Government, the PMS said that the Attorney General's remarks were no surprise to us because we had always said that the British detainees should either be tried fairly in accordance with international standards, or they should be returned to the UK. Five of the original British detainees had now returned home. Two of the four remaining detainees had been facing military tribunals, although these were now suspended. Discussions were continuing with the US about their future.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (3)

Education

Asked about the report in today's Times about the shake-up in secondary education, the PMS said everyone was well aware that the Government was currently examining proposals to reform secondary education. People should exercise a little patience and wait for the document to be published.

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

Euro 2004

Asked the Prime Minister's reaction to the outcome of England's match last night against Portugal, the PMS said that the Prime Minister was disappointed as anyone else. However, he believed that the England team had shown great spirit last night and, indeed, throughout the tournament. Asked if a Downing Street reception was being planned for the team on their return, the PMS said not as far as she was aware.

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

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» Friday, June 25, 2004

Cabinet Committees

Guantanamo Bay

Education

Euro 2004

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