Downing Street Says » 2004

» Monday, December 6, 2004

Civil Service Pensions

Asked why the Government was considering making huge cuts in Pensions for Civil Servants and Public Sector workers ahead of a general election at a time when they were the people whom the Prime Minister repeatedly said were on the front line delivering the reforms the PMOS that it was best if we waited for the consultation document to be published when we could then have a rational debate. As such it was not sensible to get into these questions in advance of that.

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

PM’s Christmas Card

Asked if there was anymore information about the Prime Minister's Christmas Card, for example why there was no Christmas symbolism and how many were sent out the PMOS said that some cards had "Best Wishes for the New Year" some cards had "Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year" and on some of them the Christmas greetings were left out because of the religious symbolism involved. This was standard diplomatic practice followed by all Prime Ministers for the past 20 years.

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

Christmas Card

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) told journalists that PA has been given a copy of the Prime Minister's Christmas card that would be sent out this year.

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

Northern Ireland

Asked what the latest news about the Belfast talks was, the PMOS said we were still aiming for the middle of this week. The parties were reflecting on their positions, and would come back with their responses when they were ready.

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

David Blunkett

Asked if the latest series of allegations towards David Blunkett were not going to provide a distraction in his job, the PMOS said the position had not changed one iota since he spoke to journalists last week.

Asked if Sir Alan Budd was likely to report this week, the PMOS said it was a matter for Sir Alan Budd.

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

Middle East

Asked if the Prime Minister would be visiting the Middle East in January, and whether there was any further development on a Middle East conference, the PMOS replied all such talk was premature. The next step was the process of the Palestinian elections, and helping those proceed.

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

President Musharraf

Asked what was on the agenda for the Prime Minister's meeting with President Musharraf later today, the PMOS said that counter-terrorism, Iraq, and Afghanistan were all issues that would be brought up. In terms of an overall issue, the government was immensely grateful for the position he had taken against terrorism in Afghanistan, and towards democracy in Iraq. In terms of the situation in Pakistan, the important question was, was Pakistan still moving in the right direction, and our answer was yes, it was. President Musharraf was aware of our position on moving towards full democracy, so it would not come as a surprise to him.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (216)

Jeddah Reports

Asked if there was any news on Jeddah, the PMOS said we were getting the same reports as everyone else, and were waiting to see what the situation was before commenting.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments Off on Jeddah Reports

Drugs/Vice

Asked why the situation regarding organised crime had taken "so long", the PMOS replied that he thought the question was an unfair analysis. Tomorrow, there was a second reading of the SOCA Bill, and from all these things, people learnt from experience. It did take a process of evaluation, and looking at what worked and what did not. For example, the United States used the process of constant adaptation, and looking at where they went next.

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

Home Intruders/Self Defence

Asked about Sir John Steven's recent comments about homeowners confronting intruders, the PMOS said the important thing was that people recognised the law allowed reasonable force to be used. What it did not allow was active retaliation, which seemed to be a point that people missed. The PMOS added that there was a murder review going on in the Home Office at the moment, which would be part of the issues discussed. The PMOS said it was important people knew what the distinctions were, as there was some confusion around.

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

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» Monday, December 6, 2004

Civil Service Pensions

PM’s Christmas Card

Christmas Card

Northern Ireland

David Blunkett

Middle East

President Musharraf

Jeddah Reports

Drugs/Vice

Home Intruders/Self Defence

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