Full exchange with Boris Johnson's spokesman on Black Lives Matter protests
On the Black Lives Matter protests, the PM said last night they were 'subverted by thuggery'. Which particular bits was he talking about?
"There were a significant number of injuries to police officers over the course of the weekend.
"I think the Met Commissioner has set out that the Met has had over 30 officers who reported injuries in the protests yesterday.
"There have also been incidents of criminal damage which have been reported."
So was he talking about the scenes we saw on Saturday, where police were being attacked by some protesters? Is he talking about the statue in Bristol? Is he talking about the Churchill memorial?
"He is talking about the attacks which have taken place against police officers, police officers suffering injuries, objects being hurled at police officers as they try to do their job, and also acts of criminal damage.
"It is never acceptable to commit acts of violence against police officers as they seek to carry out their work protecting the public."
On the Edward Colston statue, does the PM understand why some people are very unhappy having statues to slave traders?
"So I think the Policing Minister Kit Malthouse set out the position on behalf of the government this morning.
"He said a crime was committed in removing the statue, an investigation is under way, and a prosecution will follow as that’s not the way we do things in the UK - we settle our differences democratically. The PM would share that view."
Does the PM understand why some people don't want statues of slave traders?
"So, as I say, the PM’s view is that in this country, where there is strong opinion, there is a democratic process which should be followed.
"People can campaign for the removal of the statue, but what happened yesterday was a criminal act and when the criminal law is broken, that is unacceptable and the police will want to hold to account those responsible."
I'll try for a third time - does the PM understand why some people want statues of slave traders to be taken down?
"The PM absolutely understands the strength of feeling but as I say in this country we settle our differences democratically and if people wanted the removal of the statue, there are democratic routes which can be followed."
Okay, so he doesn't have a view himself on whether it's acceptable to have a statue like this up in a public place these days?
"So the policing minister was asked about this this morning, and he said... the law was broken yesterday and it's possible to abhor both that fact and the memorialisation of Edward Colston."
Does the PM abhor the memorialisation of Colston and other slavers?
"Look, I think with great respect, I have covered this. As I say, fully understand the strength of feeling but in this country we settle our differences democratically. And a criminal act was committed and that's not an acceptable way of going about things."
Does the PM think the statue should be put back up?
"It's not something I've discussed with him, but I would point you back to my previous answer - which is that where there is strong feeling on some issues, that should be settled democratically."
[Other discussion before questioning returns to Colston statue].
Does the PM think there is a difference of opinion on whether we should have statues of slave traders up? Or does he think it should have come down, but it should have come down in a democratic way?
"Look, I can only talk to what happened yesterday, which I think we'll have to agree was an act of criminal damage.
"The Police Minister said I can certainly understand the objections to the statue's presence, and I can see why people would want to campaign for its removal... but that's a separate question."
[Other discussion before questioning returns...].
Does the PM sympathise with these protests?
“You should look to his words last week at the press conference, where he said he was appalled and sickened to see what happened to George Floyd, and people have a right to protest and to make their feelings known about this and other injustices, but that people should protest peacefully and absolutely in accordance with the rules on social distancing.
These protests seem to have evolved from … George Floyd to what’s happening in the UK. Does the PM accept the wider message of some of these people that Britain itself is racist?
“The Prime Minister certainly recognises the strength of feeling in response to George Floyd’s death and supports the right for people to make their feelings known about injustices in general.
“We have made significant progress on racism in this country, but the PM accepts there is still more to do and that we cannot be complacent in our efforts to stamp out racism and discrimination.
Is he going to do anything [more] in response to that?
“The PM is absolutely committed to continuing efforts to stamp out racism and discrimination.”
Does he think Britain a racist country?
“No. the PM doesn’t doubt there continues to be discrimination and racism, but would not agree this is a racist country.
“We have made very significant progress on this issue but there remains more to do and we will not be complacent in our efforts to stamp out racism and discrimination where it happens.
Has he had a chance to talk to Trump about the George Floyd case yet?
“There are no PM calls with the President that you’re unaware of. The Ambassador to Washington did speak with the US… last week and raised concerns…”
The PM obviously feels strongly about the act of criminal damage against the statue in Bristol. Does he feel more strongly about that than he does about the actions of the slave trader himself in enslaving people all those years ago?
“I think that’s not a fair question to ask.
“As I said, the PM fully understands the strength of feeling on this issue, but in this country, where there is strong feeling we have democratic processes to use which can resolve these matters and we have to uphold the law.”