Number 10 Press Briefing - Afternoon From 16 February 2011
From the Prime Minister's spokesperson on: Commission on UK Bill of Rights, forests, AV Bill, Big Society and Egypt.
Commission on UK Bill of Rights
Asked if the Commission was a sop to shut up angry backbenchers, the Prime Minister’s spokesman (PMS) replied that the Commission was the Government delivering on a commitment in the Coalition agreement. Pressed on what the Commission will do the PMS said it will investigate the creation of a British Bill of Rights that incorporated and built on all our obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights. It will ensure these rights continue to be enshrined in British law and protect and extend British liberties. The PMS added that the Commission’s terms of reference and membership will shortly be set out and that it will engage with debate on the range of current issues.
Forests
Asked if the Environment Secretary continued to have the full support of the Prime Minister, the PMS replied that she did. He added that a consultation on forests was under way.
AV Bill
Asked if the Government would seek to overturn the Lords vote on the 40 per cent referendum turn out, the PMS replied that the Government would look to the views of the House of Commons but that its position remained that the will of the people who vote in the referendum should be respected.
Big Society
Asked if the Prime Minister welcomed the Public Accounts Select Committee inquiry into the Big Society, the PMS confirmed that he did.
Egypt
Asked if there were plans for any British Ministers to visit Egypt, the PMS replied that there were no such plans at the present time.