Tuesday, November 5, 2024 The Treasury 'broke the law' An incendiary claim by Richard Hughes, the chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility: giving evidence to the Treasury select committee, he said the Treasury was "aware" at the time of Jeremy Hunt's Budget in March of about £9.5bn of unfunded commitments that they should have told the OBR about.    That was something that "under the law and under the act they should have done", he said, referring to the Budget Responsibility and National Audit Act 2011.    "We had a high-trust relationship with the Treasury that these things were being well managed; that system very clearly broke down."   This is scaling up the war of words over the "black hole" bequeathed by the Conservatives to Labour. It may not be as much as the £22bn claimed by Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, but if it was half that much and concealed unlawfully that is bad.  Written by John Rentoul Quiz question The name of which country ends with an H? 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 If Nigel Farage is warning Donald Trump to go gracefully, he's in trouble The Reform UK leader has offered some sage advice, writes Sean O'Grady. But will his 'friend' listen? Robert Jenrick suffers brutal putdown in first outing as shadow justice secretary Moments after joining Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet, he clashed with junior minister  Bus fare hike the same as 1p income tax rise on working people who commute Lib Dem figures are disputed by the Department for Transport What else you need to know today The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was introduced in parliament by Wes Streeting, the health secretary, to implement a gradual ban on smoking; James Moore says it is illiberal; so did The Independent editorial when Rishi Sunak proposed it in April The US election has been good for business: The Independent is now the biggest British-origin news site in the US, overtaking Mail Online and The Guardian I wrote about Robert Jenrick's appointment as shadow justice secretary: I don't see how it can last, given the bad blood and policy differences with Kemi Badenoch   The Independent View Even if Kamala Harris wins the US election, the battle will be far from over Politics explained Can Keir Starmer reduce the numbers arriving in small boats? The prime minister and Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, are trying to avoid making undeliverable pledges, but what can they achieve ...?   Read more MOST COMMENTED Nigel Farage tells Donald Trump not to dispute election if Kamala Harris wins Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for Westminster will lift its gaze temporarily from the US election results to watch Kemi Badenoch's debut at Prime Minister's Questions at noon. Both she and Keir Starmer will be very keen to "win" the first "Kemi versus Keir" battle.   Later Badenoch is expected to address Conservative MPs at the weekly meeting of the 1922 Committee.   Before that, the Commons will start its proceedings at 11.30am for questions on Wales. After PMQs, MPs will conclude their five-day debate on the Budget and vote on some of its measures.   Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, will make her first appearance before the Treasury select committee at 2.30pm as part of its inquiry into her Budget.   Kevin Hollinrake, the minister responsible for the Post Office in the last government, will appear before the inquiry into the Horizon scandal at 9.30am.   Then the Commons will rise for an inexplicable "November recess", taking Thursday off as well as the usual non-sitting Friday.  QUOTATION OF THE DAY "We are the party of law and order, and I think the right honourable gentleman needs to look at his previous record"   Alex Davies-Jones, victims minister, to Robert Jenrick, shadow justice secretary, who urged Labour to build more prisons Quiz answer: Bangladesh 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. 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