Press release

Press briefing: morning 10 March 2014

The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on foreign labour, the Anglo-Irish summit and Ukraine.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign labour

Asked about employing foreign labour, the PMS said the government had been setting out its policies on immigration, which the PM supported. The government wanted to attract people who worked hard to get on in life, which needed to be done as part of controlled immigration. It was important the UK had education and welfare reforms to improve the skills and employment opportunities of UK nationals.

Anglo-Irish summit

Asked what would be discussed at the Anglo-Irish summit, the PMS said he expected EU issues (including EU reform), bilateral issues and Northern Ireland would be discussed.

Ukraine

Asked about the situation in Ukraine, the PMS said the government wanted to see discussion and de-escalation. Any attempt by Russia to legitimise the result of the Crimean referendum would have further consequences. The PM had set out his approach last week. The Crimean referendum needed to comply with international law and the Ukrainian constitution.

Asked about the review of arms export licences to Russia, the PMS said the review was on-going.

Published 10 March 2014