Press briefing: afternoon 22 October 2013
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on an energy windfall tax and Europe.
Energy windfall tax
Asked repeatedly if the Prime Minister (PM) believed there should be an energy windfall tax, the PMS said it was interesting contribution but that there were no plans. Government was legislating to make sure people were on the lowest tariffs and that there was more competition. Energy prices remain a cause of widespread concern.
Asked if the proposals had been given consideration, the PMS said there were a range of ways support is given.
Asked how often the PM turns to the former Prime Minister for advice, the PMS confirmed they speak regularly.
Asked if there was an excess of profits in the energy sector, the PMS said that the regulator had responsibilities to consider. Government had in place a range of policies that were good for the country.
Europe
Asked if the referendum will end the European debate, the PMS said the PM’s approach was to renegotiate, and then put that to the British people; and that was the right way to go about it.
Asked about the Wharton Bill, the PMS said that the PM’s support for this was well known.