Number 10 lobby briefing on Northern Ireland abortion reforms and Brexit talks
3 min read
Here is a summary of this morning's briefing for lobby journalists by a spokesman for the Prime Minister.
NORTHERN IRELAND ABORTION REFORMS
The Prime Minister’s spokesman today batted away calls for an overhaul of Northern Ireland's strict anti-abortion laws following last week's historic referendum in Ireland.
MPs, including Conservative Ministers, have backed a free vote in Parliament on the issue after the Republic voted to liberalise its abortion rules.
However, Downing Street insisted that it was a “devolved matter” that must be dealt with by Stormont – despite power-sharing collapsing in the region almost 18 months ago.
The spokesman said: “It is important to recognise that the people of Northern Ireland are entitled to their own process which is run by elected politicians.
“Our focus is restoring a democratically accountable devolved Government in Northern Ireland so that locally accountable politicians can make decision on behalf the public they represent.”
Asked if Tory MPs would be allowed a free vote on the subject if it comes to Parliament as part of an amendment to the Domestic Violence Bill, the spokesman replied: "In the past there has been a free vote but I'm not going to comment on hypotheticals."
He also rejected suggestions that Mrs May’s feminist credentials were under question in the wake of the row, by listing her achievements in office.
“I could point to the Prime Minister’s record in public life, to the action that she’s taken in relation to equal pay, in relation to domestic violence, in relation to modern slavery, of the help that she’s given to providing greater female representation in the House of Commons and elsewhere.”
BREXIT TALKS
The spokesman issued a stern warning to those involved in Brexit negotiations, hitting out at “soundbites and negative anonymous briefings”.
The intervention comes just days after an unnamed EU official accused Britain of pursuing a “fantasy” deal during the talks.
Today the Prime Minister’s spokesman hit back, saying: “We need to approach these discussion with the interests of our citizens at heart.
“That means focussing on holding constructive talks inside the negotiating room.
“We also need to be constructive outside of the room, which means looking beyond soundbites and negative anonymous briefings.”
He also insisted that the UK was preparing for a ‘no deal’ scenario following accusations that the Government was unprepared to walk away from the negotiations.
He said: “We take the issue seriously and as a responsible Government we continue to plan for a range of scenarios.”
He added “We have made good progress so far… It’s important to remember that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.”
