Monday, October 28, 2024 The 50% bus fare hike is another mistake I am not quite sure why Keir Starmer made a speech this morning. Presumably it was designed to let him set out the story of the Budget as he wanted to tell it. If so, it was a message that was obscured by yet more cloudiness about the definition of "working people".     It was further obscured by Starmer's announcement, which was obviously planned, although it came in answer to questions rather than in the speech, that the bus fare cap will go up from £2 to £3.    I think this is a mistake. I assumed that lifting the £2 cap was floated in the Sunday papers so that Rachel Reeves could rule it out with a flourish in her Budget speech. It may not be a tax on working people, but it is a big increase in a cost paid by working people on low incomes – a cost that the government sets.    The cut in winter fuel payments is painful enough; this will only add to the pain for "strivers" – to save a small amount of money.  Written by John Rentoul Quiz question After Elizabeth II, who was the longest-lived head of the British state? Answer at the bottom of today's email Don't forget to complete your registration We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: Limited access to Premium articles Access to The Independent app Access to more than 20 newsletters Commenting on independent.co.uk Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.  COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW Daily briefing Keir Starmer warns the Budget this week will reflect 'harsh' economic reality "It's time to embrace the harsh light of fiscal reality," said PM Older people eligible for help with heating bills still face months of delays Ministers fear 120,000 of the most vulnerable pensioners will miss out Video of Labour MP appearing to punch man is 'shocking', says Starmer Footage appeared to show Mike Amesbury repeatedly hitting another man in the street What else you need to know today Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker, raged at the government for announcing large parts of the Budget in Washington (Rachel Reeves), Birmingham (Keir Starmer) and everywhere except the House of Commons Ask Me Anything about the Budget: get your questions in now and I will try to answer them at 4pm on Wednesday, after the Budget at 12.30pm I wrote at the weekend that Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves can get away with breaking their promise not to raise taxes if people feel better off by the next election The Independent View Labour must find hope in a tough Budget to show UK can work better Politics explained Soundbites that dogged the politicians who coined them From 'Back to Basics' to 'the Big Society' and now 'working people' – Kate Devlin on the phrases that caused political problems...   Read more MOST COMMENTED Reform MP predicts 'friendly stand-off' between UK and France on migrant plan Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for Treasury questions in the Commons from 11.30am will provide a rehearsal of the arguments over Wednesday's Budget. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, is due to face Jeremy Hunt across the despatch box for the last time; he is expected to stand down as shadow chancellor after the Conservatives elect their new leader on Saturday.   Treasury ministers will no doubt refuse to comment on "speculation" about Budget measures – even though many have been trailed in advance by the Treasury. Tomorrow's taster is likely to feature the NHS. Silly games.   MPs will also debate the Great British Energy Bill.   Annual figures on earnings will be published by the Office for National Statistics at 9.30am.   Family and friends of Alex Salmond, the former SNP leader and first minister of Scotland, will attend his funeral at Strichen Parish Church in Aberdeenshire. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  QUOTATION OF THE DAY "Working people know exactly who they are"   Keir Starmer, in his pre-Budget speech  Quiz answer: Richard Cromwell, Lord Protector 1658-59, who died in 1712, aged 85 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 policy and cookie policy