HS2
Asked about the voting intentions of David Lidington, the PMS said that the Minister was on planned government business in Estonia and that usual whipping procedures would apply. HS2 was a major project that continued to go through a process to engage local parties on matters of concern. The PM’s view was well known – he strongly supports HS2. HS2 was government policy and the usual whipping arrangements for votes would be in place.
Leeds schoolteacher stabbing
Asked about the stabbing of a schoolteacher in Leeds, PMS said that what happened at the Corpus Christi school in Leeds was appalling and the PM’s thoughts were with the victim’s relatives and the school community.
Pfizer/AstraZeneca
Asked about reports that Pfizer has approached AstraZeneca over a potential bid, PMS explained that Britain’s life sciences industry is important to the economy and we continue to monitor developments.
Tube strike
Asked about the PM’s view on the planned tube strikes, PMS said that the PM thought it was unjustified and wrong because of the disruption that it would bring to the lives of millions of Londoners.