Press briefing: afternoon 18 March 2014
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on childcare, BBC licencing and Ukraine.
Childcare
Asked about new financial support for childcare, the PMS said that the scheme supported the choices that families make and would broaden eligibility for childcare support. Everyone receiving the current voucher scheme would be able to continue using it while in their current job. He said that HM Treasury had updated the policy’s figures.
BBC licencing
Asked whether the PM and government would support a motion to decriminalise non-payment of the TV license, the PMS said that the charter review would offer an opportunity to consider changes.
Ukraine
Asked about the next steps in sanctions against Russia the PMS said that further escalation from Russia would trigger further measures from the EU. He said that preparations for phase 3 measures were underway but there was still opportunity for de-escalation.
He said that work on an economic partnership with the Ukraine remained active and the EU was looking to make progress as quickly as possible. While Ukranian membership of the EU was a matter for the Ukranian people, the usual EU accession procedures were ongoing.
In response to speculation of alternative venues for Sochi G8 , the PMS said that the government supported The US President’s suggestion of a meeting of G7 leaders alongside Nuclear Security Summit the following week, which had been scheduled for some time.