Number 10 lobby briefing on Salisbury poisoning, Brexit, John Bercow and Russia Today
2 min read
Here is a summary of this morning's briefing for lobby journalists by the Prime Minister's official spokesman.
SALISBURY
On reports that some Cabinet members believe Theresa May's response to the poisoning of a Russian former spy in Salisbury had been "timid", the spokesman said: "The Cabinet is very clear that this is an ongoing investigation, that it's important that we allow the police to get on with their work, that we gather all the evidence and if we get to a position where we are able to attribute this attack then we will do so and the Government will deliver an appropriate response."
BREXIT
On suggestions that the Government could continue to pay money to the EU after Brexit in order to gain access to the single market, the spokesman said: "We have been clear that that's not something that we're going to do. We have said that there may be specific projects that we may wish to continue to participate in, but that the days of sending huge sums to the EU will be at an end when we leave."
JOHN BERCOW
Asked if the Prime Minister had full confidence in Commons Speaker John Bercow, who is accused of bullying, the spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has been very clear that people working in Westminster should be able to do so free from harassment or bullying, and if there are any complaints that they should be properly investigated."
RUSSIA TODAY
Asked for the Prime Minister's view on whether MPs should appear on the Russia Today TV channel, the spokesman said: "It's not something I've asked about. Decisions in relation to licensing of TV channels are for Ofcom, which has a duty to make sure they are reporting the news in an impartial way."
