Downing Street lobby briefing on Macron support for UK Russia response, air quality and Unilever
2 min read
A spokesman for Theresa May today insisted France was behind Britain in expelling Russian diplomats after the French government suggested more evidence was required.
Asked if the Prime Minister was confident France supported the UK actions against Russia, the spokesman said: “I think you can look to the comments the French made at the UN security council, that President Macron made in conversation with the Prime Minister this morning and the support the president gave right from the outset when the Prime Minister spoke to him on Monday evening. He along with other European allies have been steadfast in their support.”
He said the Prime Minister would be in Salisbury, the location of the attack, today: "The Prime Minister is in Salisbury where she’ll be meeting with members of the public, businesses and emergency services and also receive any briefing from Public Health England."
AIR QUALITY
Asked about the call from four select committees to improve the government plan on air quality, the spokesman said: “Air pollution has improved significantly since 2010 but the Government accepts there is more to do which is why we have put in place a 3.5bn plan to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions. We’ve committed to ending the sale of conventional new diesel and petrol cars and vans from 2040. But we will respond to the committee’s report in the usual way and in due course."
Asked specifically about the call to bring forward the date to stop selling new conventional fuel vehicles, the spokesman said: “2040 is in line with or indeed going further than almost every other European nation.”
UNILEVER
Asked about the decision by Unilever to place its headquarters in Rotterdam, the spokesman said: “Unilever has shown its long term commitment to the UK by choosing to locate its two fastest growing business divisions in this country which safeguards 7,300 jobs and £1bn a year of investment.”
BREXIT DEVOLUTION
Asked about the positive comments by Nicola Sturgeon following a Joint Ministerial Committee meeting about Brexit yesterday, the spokesman pointed to the response of Wales Secretary Alan Cairns. The spokesman said: “He described it as a positive meeting, we understand each other’s positions. We are not together yet in agreement but we are getting closer and building on progress all sides want to move forwards for a positive agreement and those talks will obviously continue.”
