Prime Minister at the G20
PM says "I'm here to safeguard the British economy."
Prime Minister David Cameron is in Cannes for the G20 summit.
Speaking of his plans for the summit, Mr Cameron said:
Well, I think people at home are desperately worried about their jobs and their livelihoods, and that’s why they are watching this summit.
I’m here to safeguard the British economy.
We have taken difficult decisions at home that have protected us from the worst of the debt crisis, and that’s right.
But there is a big opportunity here, because if the world could come together and solve some of its problems - the worst of which is the eurozone crisis - then actually that would be a big boost to the British economy. So that is what we will be fighting for.
Speaking about the International Monetary Fund, Mr Cameron said:
When the world is in crisis, it is right that you consider boosting the IMF, the International Monetary Fund, an organisation founded by Britain in which we are a leading player.
No government ever lost money by lending money to the IMF that supports countries right around the world.
But what we wouldn’t support is the IMF investing directly in some euro bailout fund. That wouldn’t be right and we won’t back it, so there is no risk to British taxpayers of seeing the IMF play its proper role; that’s what we have always supported.
Topics for discussion at the summit today and tomorrow include:
- the global economic situation
- an action plan for growth and jobs
- the international monetary system
- development and trade
- financial regulation
- agriculture, energy and climate
- employment
The Prime Minister will also be presenting a report on global governance.