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From: Swinson MPST[/O=DTI/OU=DTIHQ/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=SWINSONMPST]
Sent: Fri 05/07/2013 5:33:16 PM (UTC)
To: Gibson Will (ShEx)f_
Ce: Whitehead Mike (ShEx)} GRO }; Batten Peter
(ShEx)Ii
Subject: RE: Arbuthnot
Hi Will
Thanks for this - Claire has left for the day and I'll pass this on to Jo.
A few qs from me:
Has JA now seen a copy of the report?
Did you have a sense of whether the teaser statement will be media appearances on Monday morning, before his fuller
statement as early as noon? Did he say anything express on this?
What time is the POL/JFSA statement? Will Govt say anything proactively around / just after this?
Is JA expecting a call from our office to set up the call with Jo Monday morning?
It looks like he is relatively pleased with the handling approach, so presume he hasn't given any further hint of an urgent
question?
You'll know from Claire that Stephen Crabb phoned earlier today - there's still concern as to the handling of this and whether a
conversation between JA and the Chief Whip may be necessary. I said we'd keep him updated of timing of next steps and a
conversation between JA and Jo - I think we'd need to keep them appraised first thing Monday morning (and ideally before JA
says anything publicly on Monday morning).
Thanks
Emily
From: Gibson Will (ShEx)
Sent: 05 July 2013 17:50
To: Swinson MPST
Cc: Whitehead Mike (ShEx); Batten Peter (ShEx)
Subject: Arbuthnot
Hi Claire,
As just discussed, a few bullets for Jo with a readout from POL of their latest meeting with James Arbuthnot and
suggested lines for a call with James on Monday morning
Readout
© Positive meeting between Paula and James Arbuthnot this afternoon.
© He's pleased with the approach POL is suggesting to pick up issues identified in the report, and particularly
pleased POL and the JFSA are proposing to work closely together on this.
© But at some stages in the meeting he did seem to be sticking to his guns on seeking a full review of previous
SPM convictions (while at other stages he apparently seemed to row back).
© He is also unwilling to join POL and the JFSA's joint statement and will be doing his own statement (likely a
teaser on Monday morning first thing saying MPs are receiving the report that afternoon, then a fuller statement
later in the day, which he apparently suggested could be going out as early as noon).
© POL has offered to provide a quote for James' fuller statement so should get at least some advance notice of
its content.
© POLis also sharing its draft comms with us.
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Next steps
© Suggest Jo speaks to JA on Monday morning (ie before JA statement is sent out)
© On that call suggested lines to take as follows:
= As discussed last week, calling for update on the Second Sight investigation
" Officials have been in touch with POL on this
= Glad report concludes no systemic issue with Horizon software
= Please to see POL and JFSA are collaborating well to take steps to address process/training issues (eg
forming user forum)
= [Thank James for his role in building that collaboration]
= Note need to ensure reports on this are even-handed, since POL is a public asset.
= Keen to avoid a situation where it is implied that SPM convictions are unsafe without reliable evidence that
they may be.
© Also suggest Jo speaks to Tessa Munt in advance of Monday afternoon's MP session (which is at 6PM) to see if
she is able to attend and willing to provide balance if that is lacking in JA's stance.
Any questions from you or Jo, please feel free to give me a shout.
Will Gibson I Executive Director I Shareholder Executive
BIS, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H OET i
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is making a difference by supporting sustained growth and
higher skills across the economy. BIS: working together for growth