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» Monday, December 13, 2004

Northern Ireland

Asked to characterise the Prime Minister's talks with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) told journalists that after last week we were at the stage of testing where the parties were, there would be further meetings over the next few days. Given that the two parties parties, rightly or wrongly, won't talk to each other, that was our position. The two governments had put forward what they thought was a compromise position last week, whereby photographs would be taken but not published until the Executive was set up. That had been rejected by the IRA. We had to therefore find out people's views on that. We had heard Sinn Fein's view. No doubt we would get the DUP's view as well. Asked if it was frustrating having to deliver messages to each party, the PMOS said that on the issue of Northern Ireland you didn't last too long if you got easily frustrated. The Government recognised the reality as it was and acted accordingly. There was no point getting frustrated. You had do whatever was necessary to advance the peace process. The reality at the moment was that one party would not talk to the other.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Knives

Asked if the Prime Minister had been tough enough on the issue of knives, the PMOS said that first and foremost the Home Secretary would be dealing with this issue on Wednesday and journalists should wait for that. As the Government had already said however, the Home Secretary was, among other initiatives, expected to announce that he would strongly consider raising the age limit on when knives could be purchased to 18 years old, in line with other categories such as fireworks and so on. There was also work being done by Charles Clarke who had been consulting education and criminal justice agencies on proposals to extend the powers of head teachers to search suspect pupils. It would be better though to wait for the announcement to be made on Wednesday and to hear what parents had to say. While factually it was true that the number if incidents remained small, the impact on relatives of the victim of this type of crime was horrendous. In answer to questions, the PMOS said these policies had been the pipeline for a while.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

David Blunkett

Asked about the comments the Home Secretary made about his Cabinet colleagues, the PMOS said that the important thing was that David Blunkett had apologised for those comments and that apology had been accepted by his Cabinet colleagues who understood that on that occasion he had had a bad day and these comments were unfortunate. Asked if the Prime Minister thought that David Blunkett was arrogant, the PMOS said that Prime Minister recognised that that he had had the honesty to apologise for his remarks and it had been accepted in that spirit. Questioned further about whether the Home Secretary had had more than one "bad day" the PMOS said that the details should be left to the two people who were present at the time. Asked if the Prime Minister agreed with David Blunkett, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister believes that if you make unfortunate comments you should apologise for them. The Prime Minister had gone on record on many occasions showing his admiration for the work of each of the members of his Cabinet. Asked if David Blunkett had personally apologised to the Prime Minister the PMOS said that he never discussed conversations between the Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

David Blunkett

Asked if the Prime Minister shared the Deputy Prime Minister's view in a radio interview about David Blunkett being seen as "arrogant", the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that David Blunkett had apologised to his Cabinet colleagues and had explained the circumstances surrounding his comments.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (2)

Northern Ireland

Asked about further meetings with Sinn Fein, the PMOS replied that we were still pushing for a deal, and we wanted to maintain the momentum.
Asked if lunch was being provided, the PMOS said he was not aware of the catering arrangements, but knew that tea and coffee was offered to guests as a matter of routine.

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

Regiments

Asked when there would be any decision the future of the regiments, the PMOS said he thought towards the end of the week, but would confirm nearer the time.

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

Berlusconi/Schroeder Meetings

Asked about the Berlusconi and Schroeder meeting, the Prime Minister held regular meetings with both of them, especially in the run up to Councils. The main issues to be discussed this time were Turkey and other European matters.

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

President Bush

Asked if President Bush was likely to visit the UK in the New Year during his European trip, the PMOS said if people had remembered his lobby briefing on the return from Washington recently, he said at that stage, he thought it most unlikely the President would visit as he was focussing on EU and NATO issues.

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

Prince of Wales/Fox hunting

Asked what the Prime Minister's views were on the Prince of Wales's decision to go fox hunting yesterday, the PMOS replied that it was matter for the Prince of Wales.

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

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» Monday, December 13, 2004

Northern Ireland

Knives

David Blunkett

David Blunkett

Northern Ireland

Regiments

Berlusconi/Schroeder Meetings

President Bush

Prince of Wales/Fox hunting

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