Press briefing: morning 8 April 2014
The Prime Minister鈥檚 Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Maria Miller, Scotland, the Irish President, the Queen's speech and MPs holidays.
Maria Miller
In response to questions about Maria Miller and expenses reform, the PMS referred journalists to the Prime Minister鈥檚 recent words on the matter, iterating that his view had not changed.
Scotland
When asked about Lord Robertson鈥檚 comment that a 鈥榶es鈥� vote would be 鈥榗ataclysmic鈥�, the PMS said it was an important decision, which was why the Prime Minister and the government were making the positive case for Scotland to remain in the UK.
Irish President
Asked about the Prime Minister鈥檚 attendance at the State banquet this evening where Martin McGuinness and families of victims of IRA attacks were also likely to be, the PMS said that the Prime Minister understood the pain and suffering victims鈥� families had endured. He said the state visit followed on from the Queen鈥檚 very successful visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011.
Queen鈥檚 speech
Asked when the decision was made to move the date of the Queen鈥檚 speech, the PMS said that the date of the Queen鈥檚 speech was decided in conjunction with the Palace. In this instance the change to that week鈥檚 timetable was due to the G8 in Sochi becoming a G7 in Brussels.
MPs holidays
Asked whether it was true that consideration was being given to allocating an extra week鈥檚 鈥榟oliday鈥� for MPs, the PMS said he was not aware of any changes to the Parliamentary timetable.