Press briefing: afternoon 10 July 2014
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on strikes and emergency data legislation.
Strikes
When asked about the statistics for today’s public sector strikes, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) said that government’s figures are drawn from specific returns from those organisations where strike action has taken place. Fewer than 80,000 civil servants have taken part in the strikes and the Local Government Association estimated 95% of local council staff were in work.
Asked what the Prime Minister’s (PM) view is regarding the disruption to the country, the PMS referred to the PM’s comments yesterday that any disruption to users of public services is wrong.
Emergency data legislation
Asked about the PM’s direct engagement with communications service providers regarding the emergency Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill, the PMS said that the PM and senior members of government have taken a very close interest in this matter.