Press briefing: afternoon 17 March 2015
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson answered questions about ports, Parliament, debates, child sexual exploitation and Grant Shapps
Exit check at ports
When asked about advice to leave early if travelling via ports this summer, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that it was right that exit checks were being implemented and that holidaymakers should check with their travel operators for latest travel advice.
Fixed term Parliament
When asked about fixed terms for Parliament the PMOS said that the Prime Minister’s position had not changed and they were a good thing in terms of governments setting out plans for the long term.
Online debates
When asked about whether the Prime Minister intended to participate in an online debate the PMOS confirmed that it was under consideration.
Child sexual exploitation
When asked about whether police officers should be offered immunity from prosecution under the Official Secrets Act if testifying about historical allegations of abuse, the PMOS underlined the Home Office’s stance: that the Act would not be a barrier to testifying either to ongoing police enquiries or the Goddard Inquiry.
Grant Shapps
When asked whether the Prime Minister agreed with claims by the Opposition that Grant Shapps had broken the Ministerial Code, the PMOS said that he did not accept the premise that the Code had been breached in the first place.