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.

Chloe Westley: Liam, Michael, Penny, Esther – don’t let us down. Speak up in Cabinet for everyone who voted Leave

Don’t allow the UK to get locked into an unending transition, the single market, or the customs union – and resist the lazy ‘Norway option’.

Nick Hargrave: The Conservatives should be thinking ahead about a future border poll in Northern Ireland

Ireland has in recent years moved from a restrictive semi-theocratic state to a more relaxed definition of Irishness. And then there is Brexit…

Lewis Baston: Butler, pioneer of both the study and coverage of British politics

Drawing on decades of experience and friendships from all parties, Sir David – inventor of the swingometer – founded the UK’s psephological profession.

Iain Dale: What was hung around May’s neck in this week’s 1922 meeting was… a garland

Plus: Chinese whispers, Whitehall moves – and a Budget that is set to target business rather than taxpayers.

Henry Hill: Scores of Tory MPs and peers urge May to protect Ulster veterans

Also: Scottish Conservatives keep up the pressure over fishing and the backstop; Plaid set out new front bench; and Bradley empowers Northern Irish civil service.

Garvan Walshe: Why Khashoggi’s murder is Erdogan’s chance to strike

The killing gives Turkey’s autocrat the opportunity to make common cause with the Saudi prince’s enemies.

Robert Halfon: Here’s the Worker’s Budget we need next week

In the second article of our mini-series, the Harlow MP calls for a relentless focus on the cost of living, a skills-based economy, social injustices and affordable housing.

Andy Street: A message to the Chancellor. Tax Amazon more and small businesses less.

Nevertheless, tax alone won’t solve our challenge. Instead we must reshape the high street experience – as we’re starting to do in the West Midlands.

Nicky Morgan: The tea room avoided. Local fundraisers curtailed. Colleagues suggesting the deselection of others. How Brexit is tearing our Party apart.

We must bind up our wounds and work together again as one.

Iain Dale: Let’s be frank. The entire commentariat class hasn’t a clue what will happen next.

Plus: May under fire at home and pressure abroad. And around tables at the heart of Westminster, Labour researchers huddle, as though ready for an election and power.

Alex Morton: To restore purpose, legislate for England

It was once said that the secret of Thatcher’s success was moving steadily on multiple fronts so that her enemies did not know where to focus their attention.

Daniel Hannan: The proposed Brexit terms represent a deal worse than either staying or leaving.

Frankly, any outcome – no deal, Norway, Canada, even the risk of a second referendum – would be better than what is currently on the table.

James Frayne: The route to a Conservative election victory lies through Middlesbrough, not Canterbury

That doesn’t mean the Party needs to move right; on the contrary, it means accommodating on issues such as the NHS.

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.