Monday, September 9, 2024 Tories lose the plot No one cares much what the Conservative Party is up to, although I thought Rishi Sunak did dignity in defeat rather well, and he forced the new government to hold a vote tomorrow on the decision to means-test the winter fuel payment, which is what the opposition ought to be doing.    But today the Tory party lost its mind. Sunak allowed Victoria Atkins, the former health secretary, to ask an "urgent" question in the Commons about her successor, Wes Streeting, taking advice from one of their predecessors, Alan Milburn.    The sight of Tory MPs puffing themselves up to pretend that it was "a very serious matter of public concern" (Kit Malthouse) was a wonder to behold.    Streeting declared himself "genuinely astonished" that the Tories should suggest there was anything wrong with taking advice from someone who left the NHS with minimal waiting lists and the highest ever patient satisfaction.   He didn't quite thank Atkins for the chance to contrast the state of the NHS when Labour left office with what he inherited from her, but he might as well have done.  Written by John Rentoul Quiz question An old favourite: what is the only number to have all its letters in alphabetical order when spelt out? Answer at the bottom of today's email Support The Independent At The Independent, nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own mind and aren't afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.   With your support, we challenge the status quo, uncover crucial stories, and amplify unheard voices. If you like what we do, do take out a subscription and help support the best quality online-only journalism. SUBSCRIBE: 3 MONTHS FOR FREE SUBSCRIBE: 3 MONTHS FOR FREE Daily briefing Keir Starmer was right to block arms sales to Israel, says Jewish peer Writing for The Independent, Alex Carlile argues that the prime minister has shown 'courage'  Brexit failed – and it triggered mass immigration, Tony Blair says Former prime minister urges repair of EU relationship in exclusive interview with Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent 'I was drawn to him': Diane Abbott on her affair with Jeremy Corbyn After a year together, she realised in 1979 that they were 'not a match made in heaven' What else you need to know today Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, will be confronting the concerns of the Parliamentary Labour Party about cutting winter fuel payments as this newsletter arrives in your inbox Sean O'Grady writes that Labour can't afford to U-turn on winter fuel – and besides, its toughness might just pay off I wrote at the weekend that Keir Starmer has made his choice: he would rather be accused of "austerity" than put up taxes significantly Michael Sheridan writes that Xi secretly hates and fears Russia – and may be about to betray Putin The Independent View Labour must learn from this early misstep on winter fuel payments Politics explained Can the Green Party hold together its 2024 electoral coalition?  Electoral success may not be enough to overcome the tensions between small-c conservatives and disaffected Labour supporters concerned about Gaza...   Read more MOST COMMENTED Cut to winter fuel payment could kill 4,000 people, Labour's own research suggests Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble  Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for  Good timing: labour market statistics issued at 7am will give the government some ammunition as it defends the decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. The earnings growth figures will probably mean a generous rise in the state pension next April under the "triple lock".   Ministers will make the most of this during the Commons debate on the decision in the afternoon. The government won't lose the vote, but the number of Labour abstentions will be watched closely. Bad timing: the early release scheme to ease the pressures on jails in England and Wales will begin, as Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, answers Commons questions at 11.30am. There will also be a debate on a Conservative opposition motion.   Keir Starmer will address the Trades Union Congress – the first prime minister to do so for 15 years.  The five remaining contenders for the Tory leadership will be a whittled down to four in the latest ballot of Tory MPs. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, will be in London for talks with David Lammy, the foreign secretary. Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, will be quizzed by the Lords communications committee about the corporation's future and the  Huw Edwards affair, at 2.30pm.   QUOTATION FOR THE DAY "Your average Rottweiler on speed can be a lot more amiable than a pensioner wronged"   Tony Blair, in his memoir, warning against tangling with pensioners Quiz answer: Forty 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