Press briefing: morning 17 October 2014
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson answered questions on the Asia-Europe meeting, the European Arrest Warrant, Ebola, the UK economy and treason.
Asia-Europe meeting
When asked about the Prime Minister’s breakfast meeting with President Putin, President Poroshenko and other European leaders at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesperson (PMOS) said it was a positive sign that the meeting had taken place, and that only through discussion and dialogue between the Russian and Ukrainian authorities would they be able to achieve the de-escalation which is necessary.
European Arrest Warrant
When asked about the government’s policy on the European Arrest Warrant, the PMOS said there was no change in the government’s position.
Ebola
When asked about Ebola screening in the UK, the PMOS outlined the processes and measures in place at selected ports of entry.
UK economy
When asked about the UK economy and interest rates, the PMOS said interest rates were entirely a matter for the Bank of England. With regard to the UK economy, the PMOS touched on the global economic risks that exist, underscoring the reason for the UK to stick to its long-term economic plan.
Treason
When asked about the Treason Act 1351, the PMOS said people who commit, plan and support acts of terror abroad, and seek to return to the UK will be prosecuted by the UK authorities. Decisions to prosecute individuals were a matter for the police and CPS, and the basis on which those investigations are undertaken was also entirely a matter for the police, the PMOS added.