Europe
Asked about whether a vote was likely for the presidency of the European Commission, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) said that a vote was likely to take place in the afternoon. He added that while the decision on whether to take a vote was for Van Rompuy both Angela Merkel and Francis Hollande were supportive of having a vote.
Asked whether the Prime Minister’s approach to renegotiation would change should Juncker win the vote, the PMS said that the Prime Minister had been very clear about his approach and that this wouldn’t change.
Interest rises
Asked about what effect pulling out of the EU would have on interest rates in 2017 (which is when the Bank of England has said they will rise) the PMS said that this was a question for Bank of England.
The PMS was asked what the Prime Minister’s message was to those concerned about the proposed increase in interest rates. The PMS said that this government had been clear firstly about the importance of a long term economic plan and secondly about consistently helping families where it can.