Press briefing from the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman on: Reshuffle, Iran, Afghanistan Troop Deployment, Economic Growth, George Galloway and the Amir of Qatar
Reshuffle
Asked if he expected any discussion this afternoon on the future configuration of Cabinet, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that that was a very polite way of asking a reshuffle question. He referred journalists to his answer yesterday in which he had said that so far he had had a quiet week and he expected it to continue that way until we went to Dublin.
Iran
Asked if there would be ministerial meetings concerning Iran next week, the PMOS said that he did not intend to give a running commentary on the various meetings that were taking place. However he would say that this remained a matter of utmost concern. It was an issue that we and various capitals throughout the world were keeping in more or less constant contact on as we prepared for the IAEA board meeting on the 2 February.
Afghanistan Troop Deployment
Asked about an announcement tomorrow on deployment of troops to Afghanistan, the PMOS apologized for suggesting yesterday that he didn’t anticipate an announcement on this later this week. He stressed that there could be some sort of clarification this week. However he would not get drawn into any discussion of what the announcement might be.
Economic Growth
Put to him that the UK economy was growing at its slowest rate since 1992, the PMOS referred journalists to the Treasury for their detailed rebuttal of that. He was sure they would point out the UK’s pre-eminence in terms of maintaining growth over a sustained period. Asked how much growth would have to diminish before the Prime Minister started taking an interest, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister took a very strong interest but someone simply insulting the Prime Minister would not tempt him into pre-empting the Treasury’s response.
George Galloway
Asked if the Prime Minister would vote to keep George Galloway in the Big Brother House, the PMOS said that it was usually the case that we had to update the Prime Minister on the events on Big Brother, rather than the other way round. Questioned further about Mr. Galloway’s eccentric behaviour on the show, the PMOS said that he didn’t think that anyone should have to comment on such matters.
Amir of Qatar
Asked of the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Amir of Qatar today was about anything specific, the PMOS said that it was primarily to discuss regional issues.
delicious
digg
facebook
