Downing Street Says » 2007 » June

» Tuesday, June 19, 2007

European Union

Asked what we were seeking to change, other than the name, in the role of the EU Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) replied that we were seeking for an EU Foreign Minister to be answerable to the Council, and that it was clear it was an inter-governmental role rather than being answerable to the Commission. But we were also clear that there should be nothing that diluted in any way, our ability to set our own foreign and defence policy. Asked what we wanted to call this role, the PMOS replied that we would not be getting into the detail of negotiations. The key point was that this person was answerable to the Heads of Government, as represented in the European Council.

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

Prisons

Asked how many people would be released on early licence, the PMOS referred the journalist to the Ministry of Justice. Asked if we thought the number in The Times was correct, the PMOS again referred the journalist to the Department.

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

Lord Levy

Asked if the Prime Minister was going to Lord Levy's farewell party, the PMOS replied that the Prime Minister would be attending.

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

EU Council

Asked if the agreement between France and Spain changed our position, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) replied that the best person to ask about that was President Sarkozy, which was why the Prime Minister and Chancellor were asking him tonight. In terms of our basic negotiating position, the answer was: no.

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

Lord Levy’s party

Asked if the Prime Minister was going to Lord Levy's leaving party, the PMOS replied that he did not know, but it was a private engagement, so he would not comment.

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

Prisoners

Asked what the Prime Minister thought of the prisoners being let out early to relieve overcrowding, the PMOS said that people should wait for the statements in the Houses this afternoon. The PMOS said that crime was down by over a third; there were 5.8 million fewer offences. That was partly due to the fact that we had more police officers on the streets, but also, because we had been catching more people and giving them longer prison sentences. We had also been convicting more people, and that therefore created more pressures in the prison systems. Since 1997, there had been 20,000 extra prison places built, and in the last 2 years, there had been 3500 extra new places, as well as 8000 more in the pipeline, including 700 this year. However, there were pressures within the system, and we had to recognise that.

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

Defence Statement

Asked for more information about Des Browne's statement this afternoon in the House, the PMOS explained that there were two different reports, one (Fulton Report) which was confidential, addressed the questions around the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures used by the Navy in the Gulf. That would be briefed to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee. The second report (Hall Report) addressed the media handling during subsequent incidents, and that was what Des Browne would talk about. At the same time, Lord Drayson would speak in the House of Lords.

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

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