Press briefing: afternoon 21 May 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Sir David Nicholson, International Monetary Fund reports and equal marriage.
Sir David Nicholson
Asked about the resignation of Sir David Nicholson, the PMS said that the PM echoed the Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt’s comments from earlier today. Asked whether the PM shares David Nicholson’s view that on occasions the NHS has failed patients and families, the PMS referred to the PM’s previous comments on this. The PM had read the Francis report very carefully and in his view David Nicholson had properly apologised and acknowledged the mistakes that the strategic health authority made.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports
Asked what the procedure is for receiving reports from IMF, the PMS said the IMF mission makes an initial statement and the final Article IV report is adopted by the IMF board. Asked what the government’s procedure is for responding to the initial statement, the PMS said that the Treasury would respond.
Equal marriage
Asked whether the PM will vote on the Equal Marriage Bill tonight, the PMS said that the PM was expected to vote.