Wednesday, February 5, 2025 It's Donald Trump's world… Starmer's just in it  If it was not already clear to the prime minister, the US president's latest outburst over Gaza has proved it is Donald Trump's world and Sir Keir Starmer is just in it.  Even with a perfectly good row brewing over Sir Keir's lockdown meetings with his voice coach, it is Mr Trump setting the news agenda for the PM.  Sir Keir's top team are awaiting sign-off from Mr Trump on the highly controversial handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with growing fears the president could veto the deal.  His meeting with Danish PM Mette Frederiksen was overshadowed by Mr Trump's suggestion he wants to take over Greenland.  And he has today been forced to walk the diplomatic tightrope between rejecting Mr Trump's plans to turn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East" and compromising his so far friendly relationship with the commander-in-chief. Whatever Sir Keir wants to say or do for the next four years, he should always be prepared for a Trump-sized hole to be blown in his plans.   Written by Archie Mitchell Quiz question What is the most popular dog name in the UK? 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 Reeves dragged into Starmer voice coach lockdown row as PM rages against 'partying' Tories The prime minister was challenged over whether he broke lockdown rules in 2021 with his voice coach Trump still considering Chagos Islands veto as Starmer tries to close deal A White House spokesperson told The Independent the US president has not given it his blessing UK shoots down Trump's plan to take control of Gaza and backs return of Palestinians David Lammy backed a two-state solution to the conflict and said Israel should exist alongside a free and viable Palestinian state What else you need to know today MPs were told the spaceport at the northernmost tip of the UK will be ready for satellite launches by July The Independent looked at Kay Burley's most controversial moments as the Sky News host retires after 36 years Donald Trump told a journalist from Afghanistan she had a "beautiful accent" but that he could not understand her, instead urging her to "live in peace" and wishing her "good luck". It was an extraordinary moment  The Independent View We shall see how far ruthless pragmatism takes Keir Starmer in Europe Politics explained Why has Labour allowed such big increases in council tax? As the government gives six local authorities permission to raise the tax by up to 10 per cent, Sean O'Grady looks at the reasons behind the decision...    Read more MOST COMMENTED Trump wants US to take over Gaza - and doesn't rule out using American troops to do it Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for The Commons sits from 9.30am for questions to Steve Reed's department of the environment, food and rural affairs, followed by 10 minutes of questions to Lucy Rigby, the solicitor general. Then two backbench debates: one on support for former coalfield communities, led by Adam Jogee, Labour;  and one on financial education, led by Jerome Mayhew, Conservative.  The Public Accounts Committee will hear from Jeremy Pocklington, the energy department's permanent secretary, about government support for energy bills at 10am. The Bank of England's monetary policy committee decides the interest rate at noon – the markets expect a quarter-point cut to 4.5 per cent.  Keir Starmer will host Dick Schoof, prime minister of the Netherlands, in Downing Street in the afternoon. Chris Bryant, creative industries minister, will address the LEAD Advertising Conference, reiterating the importance of advertising as a driver of economic growth.  Seema Malhotra, minister for equalities, will visit a Welcome Hub in Edinburgh to announce the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, allowing Ukrainian nationals to apply for an additional 18 months in the UK. QUOTATION OF THE DAY "After over a million minutes of live TV news, more than anyone else in the world, it's time for me to indulge in some of my other passions, including my love for travel."   Kay Burley announcing her retirement from Sky News live on air Quiz answer: Luna, according to a survey by pet care rewards app Biscuit 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