Number 10 lobby briefing on the Russian election, Salisbury, Brexit and FOBTs
2 min read
Here is a summary of this morning's briefing for lobby journalists by the Prime Minister's official spokesman.
RUSSIAN ELECTION
On Vladimir Putin's re-election as president Russia, the spokesman said: "The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights has deployed an election observation mission to Russia and we'll await their assessment before making any comment."
SALISBURY
On the EU's refusal to fully back the Government's contention that Russia was behind the Salisbury poisoning, the spokesman said: "We would welcome the statement from the EU that they have unqualified solidarity with the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister has received strong support from her EU colleagues and we look forward to holding further discussions later this week in Brussels."
He added: "The Prime Minister said in the chamber that she wants to build a strong international response, but as to precisely what that is I'm afraid you're going to have to bide your time."
BREXIT
On suggestions the Prime Minister was prepared to make concessions on European access to UK fishing waters after Brexit, the spokesman said: "In terms of the implementation period, we have been clear that we would want to have proper protections in place for UK fishermen, and in terms of the future relationship I would point you back to the Prime Minister's words in the Mansion House speech when she was clear that she wanted to make sure that UK fishermen got a fairer share."
FOBTs
On the Gambling Commission's recommendation that the maximum stake on FOBT machines be reduced from £100 to £30, the spokesman said: "We will look at the Gambling Commission report as we will the other contributions which have been made to this consultation and we will bring forward our final proposals in due course."
