Briefing by the Prime Minister’s spokesman on: Copenhagen, helicopters/Afghanstan and misc

Copenhagen

Put that the German government had put out a statement saying that there was an agreement between themselves, France, the UK and the US and was this true, the Prime Minister’s Spokesman (PMS) told the assembled press that the Prime Minister had had conversations today with President Obama, President Sarkozy and also Chancellor Merkel on Copenhagen. Those talks included a discussion on tactics and gave each leader the opportunity to underline their commitment to a deal at Copenhagen.

Asked if there were any other early arrivals at the summit, the PMS replied that she was not aware of any, but that the Prime Minister would be the first leader there. Asked if there were any bilateral meetings taking place, the PMS said that the Prime Minister’s schedule had not changed since this morning.

Helicopters/Afghanstan

Put that of the 22 Chinook helicopters being procured, the first batch of ten would not be ready until 2013 and was this an admission that the UK would be in Afghanistan for the long haul, the PMS said people should not read into that; the Secretary of State for Defence had to set out his priorities for the future.

Helicopters played a part in many operations these days and in terms of Afghanistan over the last three years, the number of helicopters had doubled and the number of flying hours had also doubled. So the extra Chinooks would certainly add to the armed forces capability going forward.

Put that the Prime Minister had noted that the public seemed to have a greater sense of understanding of why the campaign in Afghanistan was necessary and where did that come from, the PMS said it was from general sources.

Misc

Asked if there would be any announcement on constitutional renewal following the discussion in Cabinet, the PMS advised people not to expect any impending announcement.

Asked if any Ministers had volunteered to drive the MINI-E seen in Downing Street this morning, the PMS said she did not know, but it would be part of the Government car pool.

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