Henry Newman: There are only two European Council options this week – a managed no deal, or a backstop with an exit

EU leaders should recognise that May is serious in trying to reach a negotiated deal that has a chance of passing Parliament.

Henry Newman: May’s deal could be saved with prompt improvements – such as a Stormont lock

Giving Northern Ireland a say over the introduction of new EU laws would at least introduce a measure of democracy into the system.

Henry Newman: A Brexit deal isn’t certain, but it’s within reach – and it could still make it through Parliament

The process is hard and risky, but it still seems unlikely that the Labour Party would really torpedo an agreement in the last resort.

Henry Newman: A dozen reasons to unstop the backstop

It now the main issue blocking a negotiated agreement – thus risking a No Deal and potentially a harder Irish border. In short, it risks triggering the very thing it is supposed to avoid.

Henry Newman: How to manage No Deal? To start with, pledge to reduce tariffs.

With the backstop blocking progress in the negotiations, the Government must map out its plan to mitigate the effects of no agreement being reached.

Henry Newman: What May will and should say in her conference speech tomorrow

The PM needs to empathise with those who have concerns about her policy. She should accept that Chequers is probably not anyone’s dream plan.

Henry Newman: Now the Government must promote Chequers – which, though not perfect, is at least practicable

For far, far too long Downing Street dithered and delayed crucial decisions. Ministers need to commit to selling the agreed policy before its too late.

Henry Newman: Has the Prime Minister’s change of tack on Brexit bought any goodwill with her EU counterparts?

We will know soon enough, when the leaders reassemble for the next opportunity to break the impasse.

Henry Newman: What will the EU look like after we have left it?

Our exit in will coincide with a new cycle of European elections which will redraw political power in the European Parliament and other EU institutions.

Henry Newman: The ticking Brexit clock demands clarity from both sides, but also adds to the risk of No Deal

It’s likely that there will be some form of agreement, perhaps at the last minute. Likely, but far from certain.

Henry Newman: Unstopping the Northern Ireland backstop, which threatens to block a deal

The Government must avoid one which can be ‘triggered’ in the event of any UK regulatory divergence on goods or agriculture.

Henry Newman: May’s strategy is in crisis – continuing to exclude the Brexit Secretary from the process will only make that worse

Davis was not alone in being kept in the dark – ministers in various departments have been wrongly left out of Brexit planning done by their own civil servants.

Henry Newman: Yes, we have proposed a voluntary managed alignment in goods. But direct ECJ jurisdiction must end.

Either a new dispute resolution mechanism will be required, or the UK could dock into part of the EFTA court to resolve disputes over goods.

Henry Newman: There’s still time for the UK to shape the Brexit negotiations – if the Government gets its act together

That means making overdue decisions, settling internal disputes, and no more campaigning by the Treasury to undermine Brexit policy.

Henry Newman: Navigating the EU Withdrawal Bill through unamended without a majority is nightmarish – but possible

Labour have sunk efforts to trap us in the Single Market. A compromise should kick the Customs Union can down the road. Which leaves the ‘meaningful’ vote.