Number 10 Press Briefing - Morning For 13 October 2011
From the Prime Minister's spokesperson on: social media, Defence Secretary Liam Fox, obesity, the National Security Council, pensions and the Gangs Forum.
Social media
Asked why the Prime Minister joined LinkedIn and what other social media he was using, the Prime Minister’s Spokesman (PMS) said he was using it as a way to connect with people who work in business and that he was also using Facebook and Twitter.
Defence Secretary Liam Fox
Asked whether the Prime Minister was considering publishing a list of which Ministers met Adam Werrity, the PMS said this was something still under consideration. Asked whether the Prime Minister felt the Defence Secretary fully supported the Government’s foreign policy, the PMS said all Ministers were supportive of the Government’s foreign policy in line with the principle of collective responsibility.
Obesity
Asked about the Prime Minister’s views on the obesity campaign, the PMS replied that obesity was a serious issue which had profound health implications and something the Government was committed to dealing with.
National Security Council
Asked for details on the most recent meeting of the National Security Council, the PMS said the meeting was about the latest situation on the ground in Libya, including what was happening in and around Sirte where there was still some resistance from pro-Gadaffi forces. He said that the meeting also discussed reports of potential human rights abuses. Our special representative in Tripoli would be reiterating to the NTC the British Government’s view that they should deliver on their commitment to hold those who perpetrate human rights abuses to account.
Pensions
Asked questions on the pension changes, the PMS said the policy of equalising the retirement age remained and that the Government was trying to make those changes, and the transition, as fair as possible.
Gangs Forum
Asked what the Prime Minister hoped the forum on gangs would achieve, the PMS said the Home Secretary and the Work and Pensions Secretary were looking at the best way of dealing with gangs in inner cities and were trying to draw on a range of expertise.