Labour, Lib Dems and Greens vs Tories and Reform

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Monday, March 2, 2026 The politics of war Clarity at last. Keir Starmer told the Commons this afternoon: "This government does not believe in regime change from the skies." So he, the Liberal Democrats and Greens opposed the US-Israeli first strikes against Iran.    Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage took the risk of supporting them.      Donald Trump knows no history, saying Starmer's refusal to allow British bases to be used in the initial strikes was something "that has probably never happened between our countries before".    Except when Harold Wilson refused to send British troops to Vietnam. Wilson was supported by most of the British public then – although he was still condemned as a warmonger by student protesters.    Early evidence from opinion polls is that Starmer is supported by most of the British public – and probably most of the American people too – this time.  John Rentoul Chief Political Commentator John Rentoul Chief Political Commentator Quiz question Who succeeded Margaret Thatcher as education secretary in 1974, later defecting to the Conservatives and serving as a junior minister in her government? Answer at the bottom of today's email  Daily briefing We should be grateful that 'statesman Starmer' is still in charge Victoria Richards says she is glad the prime minister wasn't forced from office last week RAF base in Cyprus hit by drone strike, Yvette Cooper confirms The foreign secretary said the runway at Akrotiri had been hit, causing minor damage and no casualties How do dodgy political appointments like Peter Mandelson's actually happen? Podcast with former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara and former No 10 adviser Cleo Watson "The business world is fast-moving, ever-changing and highly complex. Fortunately, by subscribing to Independent Premium, you will receive my columns in which, drawing on my long experience as a City editor and business writer, and my knowledge of many of the characters, companies and institutions involved, I make sense of it all for you. I focus on the important stuff, what is really going on, what it actually means. Do sign up and have a read - and please, let me have your feedback and ideas" Join now with our introductory offer: just £1 for 6 months What else you need to know today Robert Fox: how generals are turning to drones and AI to conquer the Middle East   Sean O'Grady: for Donald Trump, Operation Epic Fury will go down as an epic fail  I wrote at the weekend that if anyone thinks Labour should move to the left as a response to losing to the Greens in a by-election, they should define what they mean by "left": Shabana Mahmood's firm but fair immigration rules and Rachel Reeves keeping the youth rate of the minimum wage below the 21+ rate are truer to Labour values than chasing Green rainbows The Independent View The fate of Iran cannot belong to Donald Trump News Analysis The UK has been dragged into the Iran war: what are Keir Starmer's options? The lessons of the PM's predecessors and his own political weakness will prevent him from fully joining Donald Trump's war, says political editor David Maddox...   Read more MOST COMMENTED Keir Starmer's judgement under fresh scrutiny as another peer he appointed is suspended QUOTATION OF THE DAY So many of our traditional allies ... wring their hands and clutch their pearls, humming and hawing about the use of force Pete Hegseth, US secretary of war, describing Israel as a "capable partner" Choosing The Independent as one of your preferred sources ensures that you'll see our coverage more prominently displayed in your searches. That way, you can be sure you're accessing the latest headlines from a trusted source. SOURCE PREFERENCES Quiz answer: Reg Prentice Join the conversation and follow us Download our apps: 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