Press briefing from the Prime Minister’s Spokesman on: King Fahd, Bombing Investigation/Border Controls, Iran, Iraq and Prime Minister
King Fahd
The Prime Minister’s Spokesman (PMS) read the Prime Minister’s tribute to the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia who died this morning: "King Fahd was a man of great vision and leadership who inspired his countrymen for a quarter of a century as King, and for many more before that. He served his country with the utmost dedication and dignity. He led Saudi Arabia through a period of unparalleled prosperity and development. He was also a good friend of the United Kingdom. Our two countries have benefited very greatly over the years from his wise advice. Under his guidance we have developed extremely close political, commercial and defence links. They will always be seen as his legacy."
Bombing Investigation/Border Controls
Asked about security procedures for the Eurostar at Waterloo after a suspect in the London Bombing investigation was able to get to Italy, the PMS said that whilst we would be reviewing the circumstances of this individual case, it was important not to make too many comments about the individual case itself since extradition proceedings were currently underway. Asked if we would be looking again at passport checks at Waterloo, the PMS said that we did have passport checks at the point of departure. Questioned as to whether it would require any legislation to change the procedures and impose passport checks, the PMS said that her understanding was that these were operational decisions, to be taken by the police and immigration authorities. Asked if British officials would be checking passports at Waterloo, the PMS said yes.
Put to her that the UK had adopted the politics of sanctuary and thus created the conditions for extremism in this country ourselves, the PMS said that the UK had always aimed to be a tolerant society where people could live and express their views freely. At the same time we had always had laws to protect people and in fact there discussions going on now to see how we could take the law further. Put to her that we had had long time since 9/11 to design and implement such measures, the PMS said that the Prime Minister had said that he would prefer to have legislation that was correct, workable and effective rather rushing to introduce measures, which might not work effectively in the long term.
Asked about the Government’s attitude towards profiling of young men from certain ethnic backgrounds for police stop and search procedures, the PMS said that obviously these things had to be handled sensitively by those carrying out the searches.
Iran
Asked what the Government’s reaction was to Iran’s decision to continue with re-processing Uranium, the PMS said that we were seeking clarification of Iran’s intentions. We would urge them not to take any unilateral steps which might contravene the Paris agreement as that would make it very difficult to continue with the E3/Iran negotiations. If they persisted we would have to consult urgently with our partners on the board of the IAEA.
Iraq
Asked if the Prime Minister was concerned that the Iraqi constitution did not seem to be maintaining the secular character he had hoped for, in particular with regards to women’s rights, the PMS said that there was a meeting today of the constitutional committee. The Iraqis themselves had made it clear that they were working towards the August 15 deadline for the draft constitution and we should wait for that draft rather than speculating on what it might or might not say.
Prime Minister
Asked if the Prime Minister was considering standing down as an MP at the next General election, the PMS said that the Prime Minister had not turned his mind to the issue at the present time. No doubt he would discuss that particular issue with his constituents and his family before making any announcement.
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