Starmer attacks Johnson for breaking the “very broad consensus” on the constitution. The latter claims he meant the SNP’s record is the ‘disaster’.
What use a large majority if the Prime Minister cannot, or will not, prevail over an electorally insignificant lobby of progressive constitutionalists?
Finding a new Chief of Staff is only the start of the changes that Johnson needs to make his government work.
Johnson’s supporters still think the controversial provisions can be delivered if the Government holds its nerve. But the clock is ticking.
Also: another miserable week in Government for the SNP; the deep damage of the Irish Protocol grow clearer by the day; and more.
The First Minister’s absurd decree banning the sale of ‘non-essential’ goods spotlights the tension between devolved lockdowns and reserved finances.
It worked so well the last ten times, after all. Also: Reckless defects to Abolish as controversy over Drakeford’s lockdown – and who’s paying – deepens.
The 70-strong Conservative Union Research Group wants to support the Government’s mission to strengthen the United Kingdom.
We estimate that streamlining the quango state could mean nearly 34,000 people off the taxpayer payroll, and a saving of £3.25 billion a year.
He is right to suspect value placed on the Union by some senior figures in this government. The Prime Minister must lead by example.
With a second lockdown looming, Sturgeon appears keen on a harmonised approach. This is welcome, but ministers should not drop their guard.
Both the Prime Minister and his predecessor have failed to challenge the green-tinted vision of the treaty offered up by Dublin and its outriders.
“This is something that a responsible government does in order to prepare for the worst. But can I reiterate our steely determination to get a deal.”
Also: Defence of Westminster’s national role sparks devocrat fury; Salmond inquiry puts Sturgeon’s husband in the spotlight; and more.
In 2014 the rules were almost designed to maximise the independence vote. This time London must take the question much more seriously.