Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Sir Tony Blair has shifted the debate in the run up to local election polls opening to net zero. But the ex-PM's ex-political secretary thinks it doesn't matter. 

"Labour are toast," John McTernan declared - but not because of an intervention on net zero from his old boss. 

He told Times Radio the elections are "nothing to do with net zero". Mr McTernan said: "You look at all the focus groups, if you go to any of them, what do people associate the Labour Party with? 

"Taking winter fuel payments away from pensioners. Why are they attacking pensioners? Why are they now attacking the disabled? 

"That's what people are saying." 

Written by Archie Mitchell

What is Keir Starmer's favourite band?

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:

Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today. 

Daily briefing

Tony Blair U-turns on net zero criticism and insists Labour approach 'is the right one'

The clarification by the former prime minister came after a senior cabinet minister admitted some of his criticisms were 'valid'

Voters name 'none of the above' as most popular candidate before local elections

Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch and Ed Davey all trailing as voters prepare to go to the polls on Thursday

Minister says UK is preparing for blackouts after Spain power cuts

The UK is 'constantly looking at our own resilience', the environment secretary said

What else you need to know today

The Independent View

Politics explained

Will extending the 'sugar tax' leave a sour taste?

As the government considers adding the levy to milk-based products, Sean O'Grady dissects a bittersweet policy proposal... 

Read more

MOST COMMENTED

Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble  

Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for 

Polls will open at 7am for elections to 23 mostly rural English councils, six mayoralties and the by-election in Runcorn. 

The Commons will sit from 9.30am, starting with questions for business and trade ministers. Expected to be a quiet day, as most MPs will be out campaigning.

Apart from any urgent questions and ministerial statements, the only business is two backbench debates: on Parkinson's Awareness Month, led by Graeme Downie, Labour; and on prisoners of conscience, led by Jim Shannon, DUP.

The Office for National Statistics will publish "real-time indicators" of economic activity and social change at 9.30am.

QUOTATION OF THE DAY

"Can I congratulate everyone across the House who ran marathons in London and Manchester… and of course the shadow justice secretary [Robert Jenrick] who I am reliably informed is still running"

Sir Keir Starmer congratulating parliament's marathon-runners at PMQs

Quiz answer: Indie rock group The Wedding Present

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