Press briefing: afternoon 6 January 2015
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson answered questions on mansion tax, EU reforms and treaty, A&E and the Counter Terrorism Bill
Mansion Tax
When asked about the PM’s position on mansion tax, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesperson (PMOS) said that the PM’s view had not changed.
EU Reforms and Treaty Change
When asked about the PM’s views on the need for treaty change to allow for EU reforms, PMOS referred back to the PM’s Bloomberg speech, where he said that he expected treaty change. PMOS said that the PM’s view had not changed.
Accident and Emergency (A&E)
When asked whether the PM thought that there was a crisis in A&E, PMOS said that the PM agreed with the approach outlined by the Health Secretary. The government acknowledged that the NHS was facing challenges such as long-term challenges around demographic change, and more immediate challenges associated with winter pressures.
Counter Terrorism Bill
When asked whether there would be an announcement imminently about exclusion orders being used for returning fighters from overseas, PMOS said that the government would give careful consideration when the legislation returned to the House of Lords.