Pub opening hours

Asked for clarification regarding the proposals for pub opening hours during the football world cup, the PMS said that, following a request from the Prime Minister, the government was consulting on nationally extending opening hours with the expectation that the hours would be extended.

Asked why this was being considered, the PMS said that this was a major national sporting event and there was a lot of interest in this issue. Fans would want to enjoy watching the game in their local pub.

Foodbanks

Asked about money which may be available to the UK to pay for foodbanks, the PMS said that he had not seen the figures but, if this was about EU structural funds then the UK is best placed to decide how the funds are used.