Press briefing: afternoon 26 March 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Northern Ireland, flooding insurance, UKBA and the Tory Education Twitter account.
Northern Ireland meeting
Asked if the issue of devolution of corporation tax in respect to Northern Ireland was too complex an issue for it to happen the PMS said progress had been made in relation to today’s meeting and a clear timetable towards a decision was made with a decision expected in autumn 2014.
Flooding insurance
Asked if the government was going to force insurance companies to cover flood risk areas the PMS said the Environment Secretary updated Cabinet on the talks with the insurance industry and those discussions remain ongoing.
Cyprus
Asked what the government advice is to British nationals remaining in Cyprus the PMS said the government has given complete assurance to those serving UK personnel that they will not lose out in any way. The DWP has written to those UK nationals that receive a state pension as they may want to make alternative arrangements to receive it.
UKBA
Asked how Lin Homer still remains in her position at HMRC given her role in UKBA the PMS said the Exchequer Secretary David Gauke has issued a statement explaining why he believes she is the right person to lead HMRC.
Asked if anything had changed since the Home Secretary’s statement in the House the PMS said the process of reform of the UKBA has been under way for a while and today’s statement by the Home Secretary was setting out further reforms along that same path.
Asked why the PM did not include the UKBA announcement in his speech on immigration the PMS said the PM mentioned in his speech that the Home Secretary will be setting out the next step on further change to UKBA shortly, which she has done today.
Tory Education Twitter
Asked if the Cabinet Secretary was investigating the Tory Education Twitter account the PMS replied he was not aware of any investigation.