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» Monday, August 21, 2006

Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister updates

When asked if the Prime Minister was on his way back from his holiday the PMS said that after years of asking the same questions about the Prime Minister's holiday, they should know that advance notice of the Prime Minister's travel plans was not given and this year was no different. Asked if the Prime Minister would be back at work in Downing Street this week the PMS said he will be back from his holiday when he is back and that they would be notified when that time comes.

Briefing took place at 13:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (3)

Inheritance Tax

Asked if the Prime Minister was in favour of getting rid of inheritance tax the PMS said that the Government had responded to the story in that inheritance tax is a fair and necessary means of raising revenue for public services, and affected only the top 6% of all estates.

Briefing took place at 13:00 | Read whole briefing | Comment (1)

Middle East

Asked about Lord Levy's current role in the Middle East the PMS confirmed that his role had not changed including the fact that we did not brief on his activity as that was the most effective way for him to do his job. The PMS confirmed that the Prime Minister had established his intention in travelling to the region in the coming period. When asked about the Foreign Secretary's travel plans the PMS referred people to the Foreign Office.

Asked about any concerns over British equipment found in Hezbollah strong holds the PMS said that the MoD were establishing the facts of exactly what had been found and as the situation was unclear the MoD would respond in due course and not before. When asked about weaponry found in Hezbollah hands from Syrian and Iranian origins and that the Government had suggested that it was the fault of those countries; therefore if the weapons found are British is it the fault of the British Government, PMS said that people should wait for the facts to be established.

Briefing took place at 13:00 | Read whole briefing | Comment (1)

Immigration

Asked about what Alistair Darling had meant when talking about imposing restrictions on immigration from Bulgaria and Romania to the UK the PMS said that Alistair Darling was talking about the need for a mature debate on the issue and making the general point about the need for a managed migration system. In terms of the EU and Romania and Bulgaria, decisions will be made at the appropriate time, i.e. once the Commission had reported to the whole of the EU regarding accession preparations at, possibly, the end of September. When asked repeatedly if the Bulgarians and Romanians would be treated differently than the Poles in regard to immigration the PMS again said that a decision would be made at the appropriate time.

Briefing took place at 13:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (3)

‘Phone calls

When asked if the Prime Minister was still engaged in making 'phone calls to leaders the PMS said that the Prime Minister was still engaged and in touch with officials and in addition he had spoken to Prime Minister Prodi over the weekend. They had discussed the urgent need for the stabilisation force to be on the ground as soon as possible and also Italy's possible contribution to that force. Asked if the Prime Minister had made any other calls to world leaders, the PMS said she was not aware of others. Asked if the Prime Minister had voiced any disappointment over the lack of French and German offers of troops the PMS responded that the Prime Minister was looking at the big picture and the need to get the stabilisation force on the ground as soon as possible. Negotiations regarding the composition of the force were going on at the UN.

Briefing took place at 13:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

John Prescott

PMS confirmed that the Deputy Prime Minister was working in Whitehall for the majority of this week and they should check with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for details.

Briefing took place at 13:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (4)

John Reid

Asked if John Reid was on holiday the PMS referred them to the Home Office.

Briefing took place at 13:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Miscellaneous

PMS reminded everyone that the next lobby would be on Tuesday because of the Bank Holiday.

Briefing took place at 13:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

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» Monday, August 21, 2006

Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister updates

Inheritance Tax

Middle East

Immigration

‘Phone calls

John Prescott

John Reid

Miscellaneous

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