Downing Street Says » 2007

» Monday, February 12, 2007

Iran

Asked if Downing Street supported the American analysis regarding Iran and its attempts to destabilise Iraq, and was this the reason the Prime Minister had repeatedly warned that there was evidence of Iranian weapons in Iraq, the PMOS replied that going back to the Prime Minister's press conference held after the EU informal summit at Hampton Court in October 2005, the Prime Minister had spoken for the first time about our concerns about particular types of IED technology and weaponry that was coming in from Iran. Those concerns had not gone away at all. We certainly believed that if the Iranian Government wanted to address those concerns then it could, but we did not see any signs of that it did.

Briefing took place at 9:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (2)

Afghanistan

Put to him that President Karzai gave an interview over the weekend in which he said the UK needed to get off the fence and get tough with Pakistan about insurgency within Afghanistan, the PMOS that in the course of the Prime Minister's discussions with President Musharraf when he last visited and in their regular contacts, they had talked about the need to counter terrorism on both sides of the border. The Pakistani Government had made inroads into terrorism on its side of the border, but we obviously encouraged them to do more.

Briefing took place at 9:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (2)

Flexible Working

Asked if the Prime Minister thought that flexible working should be extended to all workers, the PMOS replied that this was an issue where the Government had been at the forefront in terms of helping the development of flexible working. Again this needed to be something that we worked with employers and others on. There was a debate to be had here, so lets have the debate.

Briefing took place at 9:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Counter Terrorism

Asked if the Prime Minister was satisfied that the Home Office did not leak sensitive details of the Birmingham terror raids, the PMOS replied that John Reid had made this absolutely clear. His words spoke for themselves. Asked that if this was not the case, then where did the leaks come from, the PMOS replied that he had long since given up speculating as to who planted such stories. Asked if he believed that the police had leaked the stories, the PMOS again replied that he had long since given up speculating.

Briefing took place at 9:00 | Read whole briefing | Comment (1)

Police Inquiry

Asked if the police had been in contact with the Prime Minister or his office, the PMOS replied that the Prime Minister was in Chequers and he was not aware of any contact.

Briefing took place at 9:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Avian Flu

As no question had been asked, the PMOS let Lobby know that David Miliband would be holding a meeting this afternoon with senior officials, veterinary representatives, and representatives of the agencies. Priority number one would be to go over the process of how we had so far contained the disease. Secondly, to find out how the investigation was going into the root causes of the outbreak. And thirdly to liaise about the protection of public health, precisely the role that the Food Standards Agency was set up to achieve.

Briefing took place at 9:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

» Thursday, February 8, 2007

Jack McConnell

Asked if the Prime Minister's Spokesman could say anything on the Prime Minister's meeting with Jack McConnell, the PMS said she could not!

Briefing took place at 15:00 | Read whole briefing | Comment (1)

Police Inquiry

Asked if the police had been in touch, the PMS said she had no further information than what had been said at the briefing that morning. The lobby gasped and the PMS said she was not sure that her answer had warranted a sharp intake of breath.

Briefing took place at 15:00 | Read whole briefing | Comment (1)

Forthcoming Business

The Leader said that, following the constituency week recess next week, the next Business would be on Monday, February 19 - Motions relating to Benefits Up-rating (James Purnell for the Government), followed by a debate on Human Rights: Values, Rights and Responsibilities on a motion for the Adjournment of the House (Vera Baird). On Tuesday, February 20, the House would debate remaining stages of the Planning Gain Supplement (Preparations) Bill (John Healey and Mark Francois), followed by remaining stages of the Income Tax Bill (same Ministers). For the remainder of the week: Wednesday, February 21 - Opposition Day (6th Allotted Day), debate on a subject to be announced; Thursday, February 22 - Motion to approve the Draft Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 (Continuance in force of section 1 to 9) Order 2007 (Tony McNulty), followed by a debate entitled "Health Challenge England: New Directions for Public Health" on a motion for the Adjournment of the House; Friday, February 23 - Private Members Bills.

Briefing took place at 15:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Gay adoption

The Leader was asked how and when the Order would be handled in the House, and the manner in which Parliament would express its view. He said that, as far as he was aware, discussions were continuing.

Briefing took place at 15:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

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» Monday, February 12, 2007

Iran

Afghanistan

Flexible Working

Counter Terrorism

Police Inquiry

Avian Flu

» Thursday, February 8, 2007

Jack McConnell

Police Inquiry

Forthcoming Business

Gay adoption

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