Monday, January 6, 2025 Starmer confronts Musk Keir Starmer finally took on Elon Musk, his tormentor, this morning. The prime minister took no risks, having the words of his reply to a question from Beth Rigby of Sky News put up on a teleprompter for him to read.   But they were broadly the right words, as I wrote for The Independent today, and Starmer clearly believed them – presumably he put them on the teleprompter because he didn't want to make mistakes on the sensitive subject of child sex exploitation.    I still think that Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch have as much to fear as Starmer from Musk's poisonous interventions in British politics. I predicted that Elon Musk and Nigel Farage would fall out in my column on Thursday, and could not avoid the subject again at the weekend, arguing that Badenoch had made a mistake in echoing Musk's demand for a new inquiry – when she had been a member of the government that did nothing about the last one.  Written by John Rentoul Quiz question This year, 2025, is 45 squared – when was the last square year? 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 Justin Trudeau stepping down as party leader after nine years as PM of Canada He propelled the Liberals to power in 2015 promising 'sunny ways' and a progressive agenda  What NHS reforms mean: Labour unveils changes to GPs and hospital Keir Starmer has unveiled details of the plan to cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks UK food sales to EU slump by a fifth after Brexit, minister reveals Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to slash red tape for UK firms selling in Europe What else you need to know today Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, is making a statement in the House of Commons as this newsletter goes out, on child sexual exploitation and abuse, presumably following up on the prime minister's promise to act on the inquiry that reported in 2022  Nigel Farage was waiting to speak at a Westminster Hall debate on the petition for a new election as this newsletter went to press; Piers Corbyn was in the public seats If you missed my Winners and Losers of British politics in 2024 (six of each), they are here  The Independent View If Labour can cure this sick patient, it'll be its biggest feat Politics explained Should Keir Starmer worry about Elon Musk's attacks on his government? A Labour grandee has called for Sir Keir to establish a "Musk rebuttal unit" in Downing Street, reports Archie Mitchell...    Read more MOST COMMENTED Nigel Farage and Elon Musk in war of words after billionaire says Reform leader should quit Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for  Keir Starmer will chair the first cabinet meeting of the year.    Wes Streeting, the health secretary, and his ministers will answer questions in the Commons from 11.30pm, which will probably include questions about his decision to delay the final report of a social care commission until 2028. Later MPs will debate the Crown Estate Bill to allow it to continue its work.   The public administration select committee will quiz senior officials from the Electoral Commission on last year's general election at 10am, when the education committee will question Martyn Oliver, the chief inspector at Ofsted. Anneliese Dodds, the aid minister, will appear before the international development committee at 2pm. Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, will be questioned by the housing and local government committee at 2.30pm.   The Lords will sit at 2.30pm, when the first two questions will be on obesity and electric scooters. Perhaps some peers will make a link between the two subjects.  QUOTATION FOR THE DAY "People assume you know what's happening but you're actually knowing less because you're busier than ever and you need people to tell you what's going on"   Kemi Badenoch, interview with You magazine yesterday Quiz answer: 1936 is 44 squared 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