Questions to the Prime Minister?

Alex Sobel.

Thank you.

Question number one, Mr. Speaker.

The Prime Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this morning I have spoken to Sir Kim Darik.

I have told him that it is a matter of great regret

that he has felt it necessary to leave his position as ambassador

in Washington.

The whole Cabinet rightly gave its full support to Sir Kim on Tuesday.

Sir Kim has given a lifetime of service to the United Kingdom and we owe him an enormous

debt of gratitude. Good government depends on public servants being able to give full and

frank advice. I want all our public servants to have the confidence to be able to do that.

And I hope the House will reflect on the importance of defending our values and principles,

particularly when they are under pressure.

Mr Speaker, the whole House will want to join me in sending our deepest sympathies

to the family and friends of Tammy Minchell, the student paramedic, who was killed in a traffic

accident last week whilst on duty.

This is a reminder of the members of all our emergency services who risk their lives each

day on our behalf.

Mr. Speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

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