Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Badenoch caught on the bandwagon Sir Keir Starmer spent Wednesday morning meeting with survivors of grooming gangs, while his government gets on with the job of implementing the recommendations of Professor Alexis Jay's 2022 report into child sexual abuse.  So the prime minister was well prepared to defend himself from a furious Kemi Badenoch, who came armed to PMQs with fresh calls for an inquiry and allegations Sir Keir was involved in a cover-up over the scandal.  But Ms Badenoch did not seem similarly prepared to defend herself when the PM highlighted her silence on the issue for her first eight years as an MP.  And things went from bad to worse for the leader of the opposition in the post-PMQs briefing, when her official spokesman admitted that she actually has not met any survivors of the grooming gangs scandal.  Her spokesman then pointed out that she has no plans to and does not think she needs to, and is instead happy to make decisions on the scandal without meeting any victims at all.  Written by Archie Mitchell Quiz question Romeo killed Tybalt in an act of vengeance. Whose death was he avenging? 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 Labour challenges Musk pledging to go after tech firms allowing online abuse Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones walked The Independent through the government's plans to crackdown on explicit deepfake images Starmer open to U-turn on grooming gangs inquiry, Downing Street says The prime minister's official spokesman said the government would grant one if victims' groups called for it Corbyn accuses Starmer of 'betraying' NHS with massive expansion of private sector Former Labour leader hits out, accusing prime minister of 'broken pledges' on the two-child benefit cap, winter fuel and 'selling off' the health service What else you need to know today A rapper named Twista Cheese accused of posting a 'menacing' viral video about Tommy Robinson on social media was found guilty of sharing the footage in which he swore about the far-right figure and made a gun gesture while shouting 'pow, pow, pow' Kemi Badenoch refused to restore the whip to Sayeeda Warsi, despite her being cleared of wrongdoing over a tweet calling Rishi Sunak a coconut  A thinktank suggested voters may be willing to "make trade offs" over paying fees for access to NHS care after a new survey revealed that "free at the point of care" has reduced as a priority  The Independent View Robert Jenrick should be shamed into withdrawing his remarks Politics explained What does Donald Trump want with Greenland? Don Jr is visiting the Danish terrority that his father wants to buy for the United States. Sean O'Grady looks at whether the Trumps have US expansion in mind...    Read more MOST COMMENTED Jess Phillips admits fears over her personal safety after Elon Musk social media attacks Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for  The Commons will sit from 9.30am, starting with questions on transport and followed by a general debate about violence against women and girls.  The Public Accounts Committee will question Ministry of Justice officials about court backlogs. Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, will visit Scotland to promote the government's Make Work Pay plan that "aims to tackle low pay, poor working conditions and poor job security".   David Lammy, the foreign secretary, will deliver a speech in London in which he will announce new measures against people smugglers.   John Healey, the defence secretary, will attend the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Germany.  In the US former president Jimmy Carter will be given a state funeral.  QUOTATION OF THE DAY "It's not about you, it's about the victims. Be a leader, not a lawyer."   Kemi Badenoch to Keir Starmer at PMQs Quiz answer: Mercutio 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