Number 10 Press Briefing - Afternoon For 20 June 2011
From the Prime Minister's spokesperson on: Sentencing, Retirement age and Libya.
Sentencing
Asked if the recommendations on Sentencing had been finalised, the PMS said that the responses to the consultation were being considered. He added that when the time came he would expect the MoJ to publish a response to the green paper, and give an announcement in the House of Commons.
Retirement age
Asked if the PM gave the accurate timeline for the equalisation of retirement ages for men and women at 66, the PMS confirmed that he did. He confirmed that equalisation to 66 would start from 2018 and be completed in 2020. The PMS also pointed out that this was still being discussed by Parliament and that there would be complete clarity when it became law.
Libya
Asked if the PM agreed with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (CST) when he said that Libya costs would reach hundreds of millions, the PMS said that the next cost estimates would be presented to Parliament in the established way.
Asked if the CST speaking out of turn or trying to soften up the public on the figures, the PMS said that he was answering a question put to him as the Minister in charge of the Reserve, and that the precise figures would be presented to Parliament in the normal way.