A big question about Hong Kong – and even bigger ones about migration and China

Even though public concern about immigration seems to have eased off recently, there is reason for caution.

“The backstop is anti-democratic” and “risks weakening…the Belfast Agreement”. Johnson’s letter to Tusk. Full Text.

“It cannot form part of an agreed Withdrawal Agreement. That is a fact we must both acknowledge. I believe the task before us is to strive to find other solutions.”

A No Deal Brexit. “It’s not going to be the end of the world. But it’s not going to be a walk in the park either.”

Since the Government believes the Yellowhammer leak details are out of date, it should publish an up-to-date assessment as soon as possible.

Moggcast Special: Annunziata Rees-Mogg – “The Conservative Party needs to be reminded that Leave won”

The Brexit Party MEP on why she would “fight tooth and nail” against the deal even if the backstop was deleted. Plus: would she stand against her brother?

I’m a GNU. How do you do?

MPs are more likely to try other means of stopping a No Deal Brexit than holding a no confidence vote in Johnson’s Government.

Richard Short: Don’t fall for the scare stories. Chlorinated chicken would be good for you. It’s time to tuck in.

The irony is that the EU itself has declared there are no food safety grounds to ban the process.

The real winners of this abortive ’emergency government’ could be the SNP

Once again, Remainers are bolstering the separatists even as they lecture Brexiteers on the importance of the Union.

John Strafford: The Grieve case raises a question. Do local Associations have the power not to reselect their Conservative MP?

On what grounds has CCHQ sought to limit the powers that the Party’s constitution grants to special general meetings?

Brexit and No Deal. The Prime Minister has a policy, and a plan to deliver it. His opponents agree on neither.

They cannot settle on who should replace Johnson, and keep Britain in the EU beyond October 31. Or on an alternative approach.

Iain Dale: Don’t mention the war, please. Why Johnson was wrong to suggest Hammond and company are collaborators.

Plus: I’ve never thought a national unity government is a runner, and I think it’s even less likely now.

How not to destroy Trump and Johnson

In both cases their opponents resort to character assassination and are left with no one against whom they can argue.

Neil Hudson: Animal welfare and farming can thrive after Brexit – and under this new Government

There is scaremongering that thousands or indeed millions of farm animals will be slaughtered. This is just not going to happen.

Hammond complains about a No Deal Brexit – a policy to which he was signed up if necessary. And undermined.

He suggests that Johnson is acting dishonestly in claiming that he wants a deal.  But with all respect to the former Chancellor, he is throwing stones from a glass house.

James Arnell: The conventional wisdom about a trade deal with America is wrong. Trump will want a fair one. Here’s why.

The primary motivation to strike a fair agreement with the UK will be to apply pressure to the EU.

A UK-US trade deal. Never mind the economics (at least for a moment). Feel the politics.

As with the NHS, policing, immigration and stop & search, so with trade. The Prime Minister will want a quick win – or at least progress towards one.