Press briefing: morning 19 May 2015
The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson answered questions about immigration, financial sector, UK democracy and an EU Referendum
Immigration
When asked if it was still the government’s ambition to get net migration down to the tens of thousands, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesperson (PMOS) said it remained the government’s ambition.
Financial Sector Remuneration
When asked about remuneration in the financial services sector, the PMOS said the Prime Minister’s view was reflected in the government’s policies around the banks in which the government owned a stake - like the limits on cash bonuses at £2,000 for Lloyd’s and RBS; the importance of there being deferral and claw-back mechanisms; as well as greater transparency in the publication of senior executive pay; and giving shareholders a binding vote on remuneration packages.
UK democracy
When asked about the suggestion that sectors of the population were being left without access to levels of power in society, the PMOS said the Prime Minister strongly believed in spreading privilege rather than defending it - a principle which guided his policies and decision making.
EU referendum
When asked about the UK’s future in the EU the PMOS said the Prime Minister was the person who was providing certainty, adding he was the one who had a very clear plan to go and renegotiate the UK’s relationship with the EU. The PMOS said the Prime Minister was focused on resolving the long term uncertainty caused by years of debate about the UK’s relationship with the EU.