Lobby Briefing: On Isis, Brexit and Universal Credit
3 min read
Read a summary of this morning's briefing for Lobby journalists by the Prime Minister's official spokesman.
ISIS
British people who go overseas to join Isis are “legitimate” targets for the UK military, Number 10 has said.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson confirmed that UK citizens fighting as part of the terrorist group would be under threat from British forces.
“In terms of people who are fighting in Syria, nobody should be in any doubt about our determination to fight and defeat Daesh terrorists, regardless of their nationality,” the spokesman said.
Building on comments made earlier this month by the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, he added that the Government’s position was that by joining Isis: “you have made yourself a legitimate target.”
BREXIT TRANSITION
Responding to reports that the business community is urging Theresa May to set out the details of a transition deal, the spokesperson said any agreement would be part of a bigger deal.
“We would look to wrap all of this up in one single go. Everything will be agreed at the same time.
“The point is with the implementation period, as the Prime Minister has set out, it is a bridge to where you are heading. You need to know where you are heading.
“We are aware of the need to provide certainty for business, we need to provide a smooth Brexit.
“The fact is that they will only have to change to one new set of rules, and we are working with the EU to get that done as soon as possible.”
Having conceded the need for to act quickly to reassure firms considering moving their operations elsewhere in Europe, the spokesman added that details would be agreed: “as soon as possible.”
Asked whether it was a bridge or a standstill transition deal, he replied: “The Prime Minister has said that she wants the implementation period to be a bridge and people to know where we are heading and that is what we are working towards.”
EU WITHDRAWAL BILL
The spokesman batted away suggestions that the Government’s landmark Brexit legislation had been delayed.
He said the EU Withdrawal Bill had never been subject to a timetable and that amendments were being considered “in the usual way.”
Hundreds of amendments have been tabled, with the most high-profile seeking to limit new ‘Henry VIII’ powers for ministers and block a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
He hit back at claims that delays were due to concerns over potential Government defeats in the Commons
“We want the legislation to deliver the smoothest possible Brexit. There have been a number of amendments, we are looking at those amendments in the usual way.”
Universal Credit
There will be no movement from Number 10 on the Government’s controversial roll-out of Universal Credit, the spokesperson confirmed.
Asked whether a six-week waiting period for new claimants would be reduced, after backbenchers threatened a rebellion on the issue last week, they said: “It is very important to note that advanced payments are available to anyone who needs them, including on the same day.
“We are clear that no one facing hardship will have to wait six weeks if they need urgent help… we have made significant improvement to the system of advanced payments.”
