Richard Holden: The Stockton South Test – and four others for Starmer, as the run-in for next week’s elections gathers pace
Will it be: Keir On Course, So-So Starmer…or a Knightmare for the Labour Party in Hartlepool – and elsewhere?
John Redwood: Why now that we have left the EU are we still yoked to Maastricht austerity?
What we need is to promote a higher wage, higher productivity economy. Our economic targets should reflect those aims.
Meanwhile, with local elections less than a fortnight away, the Conservatives have a nine point poll lead
Wallpaper, Dyson, the Saudis, Cummings – and the largest blue polling advantage for the best part of a year.
The Department of Health should deliver some NHS services directly in the devolved territories
New research shows how devolution has taken the ‘national’ out of the National Health Service. If the UK is to endure and thrive, this must change.
David Gauke: Free trade on vaccines. The EU may have made threats, but it is the US that has actually blocked exports.
Plus: Why as an Ipswich supporter I’m happy to see the end to the European Super League. And: My take on Mercer’s resignation.
Arthur and George and Dominic
A moral from Julian Barnes’ novel applies to the tale of leaked texts: things are seldom as simple as they’re claimed to be.
Iain Dale: Why was Johnson so bothered about the football? Two words. “Oliver” and “Dowden”.
Plus: How very sad I am to hear of the death of Eve Collishaw, who gave much of her life to the Conservative cause.
Syed Kamall: The time is right for the UK to boost relations with India – but a trade deal will not be simple
The EU started trade talks with the country back in 2007 and suspended them in 2013. Will post-Brexit Britain find it easier?
Dowden, a David for our times, sees off the footballing Goliath. By whispering “boo!” At which the giant bursts into tears.
The Culture Secretary deserves a gold-plated edition of the Bluffers’ Guide to Politics, and must feel this morning like the proverbial dog with two cocks.
Jonathan Werran: More rail investment won’t lead to recovery without more local governance
The final piece in a ConservativeHome mini-series this week on the railways after Covid.
Ed Birkett: Biden will spend big to help slow climate change. Johnson won’t. He doesn’t need to. Here’s why.
Splashing taxpayers’ cash is the President’s only reliable option. The Prime Minister has other tools at his disposal.
Johnson and the railways. Is he ready for pay as you go – and the end of the season ticket? And are passengers?
He plans to bring in a Fat Controller – as he seeks to balance the public interest with private sector freedom. This is the second piece in our rail mini-series.
Emily Carver: So the European Super League has collapsed. But either way, it’s none of the Government’s business.
The lesson of this drama is that fans must make their voices heard, rather than Ministers threaten knee-jerk legislation.
Robert Halfon: I disagree with our Minister. Schools should focus on preparing pupils for work – not the acquisition of knowledge.
As our labour market thunders towards the digital age, we must urgently reconsider how we can support the skills most needed.
Austen Morgan: The strange story of Adams, the IRA, imprisonment, compensation – and an important decision for Ministers
Will they fight any following cases all the way to the Supreme Court, and ask it to overturn Kerr’s decision?