Press briefing: morning 16 July 2014
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the Cabinet, the EU Council and the Emergency Data Retention Bill.
Cabinet
Asked about the Prime Minister’s reshuffle of his cabinet, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) said that in his speech at Bloomberg, the Prime Minister said there was a need for Britain’s relationship with the EU to be renegotiated and that the Cabinet shares the Prime Minister’s views on Europe.
Asked about Baroness Stowell’s appointment, the PMS said that Baroness Stowell would receive the same remuneration as her predecessor.
Asked about the appointment of the new Education Secretary in the reshuffle, the PMS said that at the heart of the Prime Minister’s successful education agenda was the need to improve standards to ensure that every young person fulfilled their talents and ambitions.
Asked about the appointment of Lord Hill, the PMS said that the appointment of Lord Hill as the UK’s candidate for EU Commission was because of his expertise and he would make an excellent Commissioner.
EU Council
Asked about whether Ukraine would be on the agenda at the EU Council meeting, the PMS said that sanctions against Russia would be discussed and the Prime Minister would support further targeted sanctions. The European Union had been working on details of further measures and that would be discussed at the Council meeting.
Emergency Data Retention Legislation
Asked about the Emergency Data Retention Bill, the PMS said that the Legislation was being taken forward on a cross party basis. The European Court of Justice struck down a European data retention directive that provided the basis for UK secondary legislation. The UK’s primary legislation addresses the concerns around proportionality.