Number 10 Press Briefing - Afternoon 7 November 2012
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Chancellor Merkel's visit, The Archbishop of Canterbury and President Obama.
Angela Merkel visit
Answering questions on what the Prime Minister would be discussing with Chancellor Merkel the PMS said that he was looking forward to talking to her and would be discussing the EU budget and making clear that the UK will have a tough negotiating position at the summit in November to get the best deal for UK and EU taxpayers. Asked about suggestions in the German media that the UK is becoming disengaged from the EU the PMS said that the Prime Minister is very much engaged in discussions on the EU budget and getting a good deal for the British taxpayer and protecting the rebate. Looking more broadly the PM recognised the importance of the Single Market and that he was very keen to see the completion of the Single Market, to see growth across the EU and a resolution to the Eurozone crisis. The PMS said the PM was very much engaged on EU issues. Asked whether the meeting would be part of a series of meetings with EU leaders ahead of the summit the PMS said that the PM was likely to have a number of discussions in the run up to the Summit later in November.
Archbishop of Canterbury
When asked when the new Archbishop of Canterbury would be made, the PMS said it would be soon.
President Obama
Asked whether the PM had spoken to President Obama, the PMS said that he had made a statement earlier in the day congratulating the President and was looking forward to continuing their conversation. They would speak in person soon, but she pointed out that the PM had only just returned from a trip to the Middle East.