Number 10 Press Briefing - Morning 14 September 2012
Publication of photographs of Duchess of Cambridge, Afghanistan, BAE merger.
Publication of photographs of Duchess of Cambridge
Asked about the publication of photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge in a French publication, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokeswoman (PMOS) said that the Palace were dealing with the issue but that the view from Downing Street was that the Royals were entitled to their privacy. Asked what the Prime Minister’s (PM’s) view would be of a British newspaper or magazine which printed the photos, she said that this was a decision for editors but pointed to the ongoing process of the Leveson Inquiry which was looking at the media.
Asked whether the photos strengthened the case for a privacy law, the PMOS said that the Leveson Inquiry was looking at issues regarding the media in this country and we would have to wait for the conclusions of that inquiry. Pressed as to whether there had been any contact with the Palace, she said that she would not comment on conversations between Downing Street and the Palace.
Afghanistan
Asked about the issue of troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in relation to an interview given by the Defence Secretary, the PMOS reiterated that no decisions had been taken on troop drawn down beyond this year. The PM had made it clear during his visit to Afghanistan that the draw down would be carried out in an ordered and sensible way with a staged reduction.
BAE merger
Asked about the latest in the discussions of a merger between BAE and EADS, the PMOS said that BIS had issued a statement on this which said the UK’s public interest would need to be maintained, and it would not be appropriate to make any further comment.