Letwin’s wildcat executive would reduce ministers to marionettes

The whole plan involves maintaining a public-facing theatre of constitutional normalcy which will only further impede scrutiny and accountability.

Nick Hargrave: The capitalism of the future demands a bigger role for the state

Its muscular power is needed to boost share ownership, build houses and tax wealth rather than income. And let’s rule out a No Deal Brexit.

Why did the Government craft its own defeat yesterday evening?

Perhaps we will find out today why Downing Street and the whips stuck with a motion that risked revolt by ERG members and second referendum backers alike.

May’s new Brexit hell. An alliance of hard and soft Brexiteers humiliates her. And any sense of progress is lost.

Her motion is defeated. Will the EU now abandon her, and egg on Letwin and his supporters to try to take formal control of the negotiation?

Nearly a quarter of Conservative MPs failed to support the Prime Minister yesterday

A mass of ERG and other hard Brexiteers band together with a liberal sprinkling of Remainers.

Vivienne Michael: Collaborating across the party political divide? In Mole Valley, we are familiar with the challenges.

You have to start early earning trust with openness, honesty and a lot of work on both sides.

WATCH: Baker reiterates that there would be a majority for the Malthouse Compromise

The implication is that the Government would win more votes if it kept the ERG happy.

WATCH: Letwin – The Commons must “take on the Government of our country” and “be a Cabinet”

He argues for “a fundamental realignment of Government, Parliament and Civil Service.”

WATCH: Government loses Brexit vote – “She cannot keep on just running down the clock,” Corbyn claims

“Yet again her Government has been defeated”.

WATCH: “The EU will be watching for any sign our resolve is weakening,” Barclay warns MPs

The Brexit Secretary argues that “we should not give them that excuse not to engage”, and therefore should vote with the Government.

Trust

Robbins’ overheard conversation has further eroded faith in his boss – and the ERG is itself divided over whether changes to the backstop would themselves be enough.

Interview. “Look, this is a Christian country”, says Hinds. But he adds that the cap on new faith schools’ admissions should stay.

At times, says the Education Secretary, the post he holds requires “a bold and vociferous and constant presence”. But “at other times less so”.

David Shiels: By talking up a No Deal Irish border poll, Ministers are playing into Sinn Fein’s hands

The topic is being discussed – including at Cabinet – but that in itself is not convincing evidence that such a major change is imminent.

WATCH: Hannan – The EU’s lack of goodwill shows why Britain must not accept the backstop

“If you’re dealing, effectively, with a negotiating partner who is now depending on threats, much better to face those threats down now, and confidently.”

WATCH: Corbyn presses May on Brexit preparations at PMQs

The Labour leader leads with the collapse of the Government’s contract with Seaborne Freight.