Briefing from the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman on: Iraq, Northern Ireland and Soham.
Iraq
In answer to earlier questions about Iraq debt restructuring, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that we were seeking a fair and sustainable solution to Iraq’s debt problems. John Healy had answered a PQ on behalf of the Treasury last week in which he had set out the format with which we believed the issue should be handled. The Prime Minister had said in April that he hoped creditors would be generous in recognising Iraq’s needs for the future. He was due to meet James Baker in Downing Street tomorrow morning. Asked for a figure on Iraqi debt, the PMOS said that as he understood it, it was estimated to be worth a total of $108bn, of which $2bn was owed to the UK.
Northern Ireland
Asked if an announcement was expected on Northern Ireland today following the meetings in Downing Street this afternoon with the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach and the leaders of the parties, the PMOS said no. He pointed out that this was the first time that the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach had met the parties since the elections last month. As their joint statement had underlined at the time, we respected the mandate that had been given, but obviously with that came responsibility. We were very much in listening mode at the moment and wanted to talk to the parties to gauge their assessment of the way forward. It went without saying that everyone wanted to see devolved government up and running again as soon as possible, but obviously we had to be mindful of the political realities.
Soham
Asked if the Prime Minister had been briefed on the failure of background checks on Ian Huntley, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister was obviously aware of all the issues that had been raised by what was clearly a terrible case. The Prime Minister’s thoughts were with the families of Holly and Jessica. They had shown tremendous dignity over the last sixteen months. As the Home Secretary had already announced, an independent inquiry, led by Sir Michael Bichard, was being set up, with the agreement of the Prime Minister, to look at the issues which had given rise to concern.
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