Downing Street lobby briefing on stamp duty, homelessness, airport delays, racist attacks and Iran deal
2 min read
At a briefing for lobby journalists today a spokesperson for the Prime Minister was asked about whether stamp duty was still too high as well as plans for homelessness, airport delays, racist jibes and the Iran nuclear deal.
STAMP DUTY
Asked if the Prime Minister agreed with Boris Johnson about stamp duty being too high, the spokesperson said: "When it comes to stamp duty the Government has taken action to seek to help first time buyers to get on the property ladder. The number of people who have benefitted from that cut in stamp duty is now 121,500 first time buyers who have saved an average of £1,700 each so far."
HOMELESSNESS
Asked why homelessness had risen sharply since the Conservatives came to power, the spokesperson said: "There are a number of different reasons. It is a very complex matter but you will see from the package that was unveiled today that the Prime Minister is committed to addressing it. I think what you have seen set out this morning is a comprehensive package of measures to try to deal with the various issues across this subject matter. There are issues including drug abuse and the rise of the likes of spice - it’s a complex matter but we are committed to dealing with it."
AIRPORT DELAYS
Asked about the 2.5 hour passenger delays at Heathrow airport, the spokesperson said: "It’s obviously important to avoid disruption. And extra 200 staff are being sent to the airport to deal with the busy summer period. But it’s also important to note that most people are able to get through within the designated time."
IRAN DEAL
Asked about the appeal by US ambassador Woody Johnson for the UK to follow Donald Trump by dumping the Iran nuclear deal, the spokesperson said: "We have been very clear on this and our position hasn’t changed. We continue to support the Iran nuclear deal... We have a longstanding position in relation to the nuclear deal which we have discussed with the president on a number of occasions. There are obvious instances in which we are going to disagree with the US but that doesn’t detract at all from our special relationship. Our position on Iran is very clear and hasn’t changed."
RACE ATTACKS
Asked about an alleged rise in racist attacks on women in burqas since a related column by Boris Johnson, the spokesperson said: "In relation to attacks on people in general - no-one should be subjected to violence because of their appearance or the choices they have decided to make."
