Labour’s parallel universe

Labour's parallel universe 

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE March 30, 2023 View in browser Labour's parallel universe  Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves travelled to Swindon today to launch Labour's local election campaign for 4 May. They also travelled in time and to an alternative universe: Starmer's promise was that, if Labour were in government, it would be freezing council-tax bills instead of putting them up in the next few days.  This promise was hypothetically funded by an imaginary rise in the windfall tax on oil and gas companies, backdated to January 2022, but the promise does not apply to what a Labour government would actually do if it took office after the next general election.  Quiz question When was the last time the second-largest party in the Commons formed a government? Answer at the bottom of today's email Daily briefing Starmer backs call to stop Afghan pilot deportation The Labour leader said it was "a disgrace" that a pilot who fought alongside UK forces faced "being forced out". Tories on Boris inquiry try to cut SNP suspension Margaret Ferrier faces a possible by-election after a 30-day suspension for a Covid rule breach. But three Tories on the Partygate inquiry tried to reduce her suspension. British public trusts EU more than UK parliament Confidence in Westminster has plummeted to 22%, while trust in in Brussels among Britons has shot up to 39% since Brexit. Articles driving the biggest conversations Penalties for households sticking with gas is not 'rip out your boiler' plan, says minister Articles available exclusively to subscribers Why is the government trying to house asylum seekers in disused military bases? What else do you need to know today? Today was the last day of parliament before the Easter recess, so this is the last View from Westminster newsletter until Monday 17 April, barring emergencies; thank you for subscribing and I look forward to being back in your inbox then The Cabinet Office has published information on ministers' gifts, external meetings and foreign travel; I haven't had time to go through it yet Mel Stride, work and pensions secretary, confirmed that a decision on whether to further raise the state pension age, which will rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, has been postponed until after the next general election Thanks to Adam Forrest without whom this newsletter would not be possible Rentoul's reading list Juliet Samuel in The Times says that Rishi Sunak's small boats policy might work (paywall) I wrote for Independent Premium about the confused response of both government and opposition to Joe Biden's huge green subsidies David Gauke in the New Statesman writes a letter to Jeremy Corbyn about standing as an independent (paywall) Listening list: Geordie Greig, editor of The Independent, on BBC's Media Show, defending "a proud, rude and free press" £99 £20 for 1 year ✓ Full access to Premium news analysis ✓ Advert-free reading across web and app ✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper ✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more SUBSCRIBE NOW Inside the bubble A look back at the week in Westminster Not in Westminster, but the election of a new leader of the Scottish National Party and new first minister on Monday will have repercussions in the UK parliament. Labour hopes are high of winning seats at the next general election. The first test of the new alignment of Scottish politics could be a by-election in Rutherglen, held by Margaret Ferrier, suspended today from the Commons for 30 days for breaking coronavirus rules.  Thought for the day "The last election's prime ministerial candidates are now embarrassments to their parties, men the current leaders define themselves against." Robert Shrimsley, Financial Times Quiz answer: 1923; the first Labour government – Labour (191 seats) formed a minority government with Liberal support (158 seats), although the Conservatives were the largest party (258 seats) We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Morning Headlines Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by the UK team Join now Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now Morning Headlines Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by the UK team Join now Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now News you can trust The Independent has a 100% NewsGuard trust rating FIND OUT MORE If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. 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