Press release

Press briefing: morning 7 May 2014

The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Pfizer/AstraZeneca, BBC and Nigeria.

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

Pfizer/AstraZeneca

Asked about international takeovers, the PMS said that the senior government officials would continue to actively engage with both Pfizer and AstraZeneca on the importance of the life sciences industry, research and development and the skills base within the UK economy. He said that it would be a matter for the companies and their shareholders as to the way forward.

BBC

Asked about the next Chair of the BBC Trust, the PMS said that the right thing would be to attract a strong field of candidates and that the best person should be appointed for the job.

Nigeria

Asked if there was any further offer of assistance to the Nigeria government, the PMS said that the government would continue to offer assistance in response to the truly appalling and shocking kidnapping of hundreds of girls. The PMS said he was not aware that the Nigerians had made any requests for assistance.

Published 7 May 2014