Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Shabana Mahmood came to the Commons this morning for a victory lap, after socking it to the judges in a way that the Conservatives always wanted to do in government but never managed.  

Robert Jenrick, her shadow, overdid it in criticising her for doing what he wanted – namely getting rid of Sentencing Council guidelines that would have treated ethnic minority defendants differently. Instead of claiming the win and reminding everyone that he had spotted the problem first, he complained that the U-turn was chaotic. 

That allowed Mahmood to whack the Tories – pointing out that the guidelines had been approved by the previous government in which Jenrick was a minister – and to pose as the defender of common sense who had prevailed over a bit of judicial wokery gone too far. 

Written by John Rentoul

Who last month described what as a "malicious circus"? 

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

Keir Starmer 'angry' about illegal immigration as he reveals 24,000 deportations

The prime minister said 'ordinary working people pay the price' of unauthorised Channel crossings

'Awful April' will push people 'into poverty and homelessness'

Rising bills for gas, electricity, water and council tax have left many 'dangerously exposed'

Kemi Badenoch says boy Adolescence lead character based on was 'not white'

Writer Jack Thorne has dismissed an online theory that the race of the lead character was changed

What else you need to know today

The Independent View

Politics explained

Is Labour turning to the right in its approach to immigration?

Sean O'Grady examines the prime minister's latest plans to tackle irregular migration, and asks what might come next in what is an increasingly toxic debate... 

Read more

MOST COMMENTED

Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble 

Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for

Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" will dominate, whatever he decides about imposing tariffs on the UK. Keir Starmer will doubtless be asked about the issue at Prime Minister's Questions at noon.

MPs will gather at 11.30am for questions on Northern Ireland. Steve Reed, the environment secretary, will announce plans to streamline regulations to boost growth while protecting nature.

A busy day on the select committee corridor. Thomas Woldbye, chief executive at Heathrow, and electricity industry representatives will be questioned by the Transport Committee at 9.15am about the airport's closure after a substation fire. James Timpson, the prisons minister, will appear before the Lords justice committee at 10.30am. Richard Hermer, the attorney general, will be quizzed by the joint Commons and Lords committee on human rights at 2.15pm. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, will appear before the Treasury Committee's inquiry into her spring statement at 2.30pm.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, will speak to the Institute for Government think tank at 1.30pm.

QUOTATION OF THE DAY

"I understand that it must be very disappointing for him that he has been exposed as someone who is all talk and no action, and that I get the job done; I can see that that annoys him greatly"

Shabana Mahmood, justice secretary, to Robert Jenrick, her shadow

Quiz answer: Rupert Lowe MP, referring to his former party, Reform

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