View from Westminster

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Wednesday, February 28, 2024 So much for not inflaming tensions, Mr Sunak Just days after Rishi Sunak said it is incumbent on MPs not to "inflame" debates, PMQs descended into an unedifying slanging match between Keir Starmer and the prime minister.  The Labour leader ripped into Mr Sunak's party, branding the Tories the "political wing of the flat earth society" and mocking the prime minister for "dancing to the tune of Nigel Farage".  Mr Sunak hit back, accusing the Labour leader of lacking principles because of his past support for Jeremy Corbyn and his handling of Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali's antisemitic comments.  "He's spineless, hopeless and utterly shameless," the PM said.  The exchange came against a backdrop of rising tensions in and around the Commons, with right-wing Tories and the SNP still waging war on Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and the government rolling out a £31m package to support MPs' safety.  Quiz question Which actor was Tony Blair's father in law? Answer at the bottom of today's email Daily briefing Rishi Sunak refuses to back Post Office chief under investigation The prime minister was challenged by Keir Starmer about the leadership of Post Office chief Nick Read Government 'missing the point' over new £31 million security measures for MPs Extra cash will 'not actually get to the root cause' of the problem why people feel emboldened to target MPs  Rishi Sunak takes aim at Starmer: 'We expel antisemites, he makes them MPs' The PM appeared to be referring to the Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali, following his comments on the Israeli-Palestine conflict What else you need to know today A new study suggests a quarter of children are using AI to help with schoolwork, and calls for more Government guidance for parents and teachers Liz Truss should not have the Conservative whip removed as she "did nothing wrong", policing minister Chris Philp told Sky News on Wednesday  Lee Cain, the former No 10 communications director, published a report showing members of Generation Z are shunning traditional news outlets in favour of social media, despite saying they trust its content The Independent View Even talk of a potential ceasefire in Gaza is a cause for hope Politics explained What could happen if George Galloway wins the Rochdale by-election? Sean O'Grady writes that the result of Thursday's contest may have consequences far beyond the town...   Read more MOST COMMENTED Lee Anderson fuels Reform defection talk as he meets with leader Richard Tice Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for It's leap day, and by-election day in Rochdale. Polling stations are open between 7am and 10pm, with the result expected around 3am on Friday.   Meanwhile, another quiet day in the Commons, starting with questions to Cabinet Office ministers, led by Oliver Dowden, deputy prime minister, at 9.30am. Followed by Penny Mordaunt announcing forthcoming business, a slot that sometimes feels like her leadership hustings.  The main business of the day is two backbench debates: one on language in politics, led by Maria Miller, Conservative former cabinet minister; and one on Welsh affairs, led by Stephen Crabb, Conservative former Wales secretary QUOTE OF THE DAY "Whichever party is in office, the Treasury is in power." Harold Wilson, former prime minister Try 6 months of Independent Premium for just £6 Enjoy unlimited Premium news analysis, advert-free reading, a digital newspaper every morning, and more SUBSCRIBE Quiz answer: Tony Booth, best known for his role as Mike Rawlins in the BBC series Till Death Us Do Part The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy