Downing Street Says » 2005

» Friday, April 8, 2005

Site News: NotApathetic.com Launches

There aren’t going to be any more updates coming from the PMOS until the election is over. To keep you occupied we’ve just launched NotApathetic.com. It is a site to let people who aren’t going to vote at the general election explain why. We’re not trying to encourage people not to vote, nor vice versa. […]

Briefing took place at 18:28 | Read whole briefing | Comments (3)

Site News: NotApathetic.com Launches

Briefing took place at 18:27 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

» Tuesday, April 5, 2005

Election

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) told journalists that the Prime Minister had left Downing Street for Buckingham Palace. That meant that a General election campaign was underway and therefore there would be no more press briefings until after the election. In the meantime all enquiries concerning the Prime Minister and ministers should be directed towards the Labour party.

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

» Monday, April 4, 2005

Pope’s Funeral/Royal Wedding

Asked if the Prime Minister would be attending the Pope's funeral, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) confirmed that the Prime Minister would be attending. Asked if Mrs Blair was attending and whether there had been discussions between Downing Street and Clarence House, the PMOS said that in terms of Mrs Blair we would let people know nearer the time and in terms of discussions it was obvious that we had asked to be kept informed but the decision on the wedding had been one for Clarence House, and one for Clarence House alone to take. Asked if Downing Street indicated that the Pope's funeral might be regarded as a more important event, the PMOS said that he would put it the other way round, Clarence House were fully aware of the significance of the Pope's funeral and therefore it was part of the decision making process, though it was for Clarence House to speak for itself. Asked if the Prince of Wales would be attending the funeral, the PMOS said that his understanding was the Prince was attending but again that was a matter for Clarence House to confirm.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (4)

MG Rover

Asked if there were any signs of a loan, the PMOS reminded journalists that this was a commercial deal but as the DTI had made it clear through out we would do everything we could to support the process and the joint venture. If a deal was looking likely both MG Rover and SAIC were aware that the Govt would consider the option of providing a bridging loan. But that would be under strict criteria to ensure the proper use of taxpayers' money and it would of course be fully repayable. For further detail people should contact the DTI.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comment (1)

Postal Voting

Asked if there was any response to the Birmingham postal votes fraud judgement, the PMOS said that people would take note of the judgement and what the judge had said. However in addition, without in any way suggesting that there were not lessons to learn because there always were, but to put it in context, the Birmingham wards were 2 of just 5 disputed across the country in June 2004 when 17 million people voted in 78 European parliamentary constituencies and more than 6000 council wards. It was important to get that in perspective and at the same time study what the judge had said and learn any lessons from it. It was not being underestimated but it was right to keep it in perspective. It was also important to recognise that postal voting had increased voting participation. In response to the suggestion that nothing was going to happen, the PMOS said that we were already working with the Electoral Commission, police, political parties and returning officers to strengthen systems and raise awareness, to ensure that fraud was detected and prosecuted. There were already tough penalties: electoral fraudsters could face two years in prison and an unlimited fine, as well as disqualification from voting and standing for office. So the penalties were there as this case had proved. Asked why people should feel safer about their vote in the county elections set for May 5, the PMOS said that people were constantly learning from the process and were constantly trying to strengthen the system. However what people should not think was that there were no penalties for this. There were, and what people should not think was that this judgement would be ignored. It would not.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (3)

Pope’s Funeral

Asked if the Prime Minister would attend the Pope's funeral, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said people should wait for the facts. The PMOS said the Cardinals were holding a meeting, and we would let people know what the decision would be if we had to make one.

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

Election Date

Asked when the Prime Minister seeks a dissolution of Parliament from The Queen, did the first full statement come from the Palace, the PMOS said whatever was custom and practice would happen.

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

Peter Mandelson visit

Asked to shed any light on Peter Mandelson's visit to No10 last week, the PMOS said we did not comment on everyone who came through the door at No10, as otherwise we would never be finished!

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

Government Aid to MG Rover

Asked for further information on the reporting in the Sunday papers that the Permanent Secretary of the DTI was opposing a grant to Rover on the basis that it would not be money well spent, the PMOS said that as the DTI had made clear throughout this process, the Government had done all it could to support the joint venture. There was a team of DTI officials in China who were holding discussions with the SIAC, and we were in touch with the Chinese Government. If a deal was looking likely, both MG Rover and SIAC were aware that the Government would consider the option of providing a bridging loan. If the loan were to be offered, it would be provided on strict criteria to ensure the proper use of tax payers' money, and would be fully repayable. We would comply with EU state rules over the repayment period.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (10)

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» Friday, April 8, 2005

Site News: NotApathetic.com Launches

Site News: NotApathetic.com Launches

» Tuesday, April 5, 2005

Election

» Monday, April 4, 2005

Pope’s Funeral/Royal Wedding

MG Rover

Postal Voting

Pope’s Funeral

Election Date

Peter Mandelson visit

Government Aid to MG Rover

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