Neil O’Brien: How to rebalance Britain’s unbalanced economy – by levelling up, not levelling down

Ever since the EU referendum, there’s been renewed focus on how to help poorer places. Helpfully there is decades of evidence about what does and doesn’t work.

Dominic Walsh: What would No Deal mean for trade beyond the EU?

While trade deals have taken on an important political and symbolic value, their benefits are typically smaller and slower to materialise than many realise.

Bob Seely: Saving Britain billions. Ideas for the contenders in this leadership contest.

This is a contribution to the debate – now let’s see what the candidates offer during the week ahead.

“A nation is a human thing. Influence is, at least in part, a reflection of our own self confidence.” Fox’s speech to Policy Exchange – full text

“We have so much to offer – to ourselves and to the world around us. A confident Britain will help build a confident future for all.”

Around the black cloud of Salzburg one can glimpse a silver lining

The EU’s rejection of Chequers gives May a chance to unite her party around Canada Plus Plus Plus – the only strategic Brexit option now open to her.

A customs union 1) Greg Hands – As a former Remainer, and an ex-Trade Minister, I know that joining one would deliver Britain the worst of all worlds

We British often like a good compromise. This would be the wrong one.

Ben Roback: This is the most unpredictable presidential visit to Britain in memory

The ‘special relationship’ is under strain on several fronts, but the President remains one of the strongest and most important international supporters of Brexit.

Meanwhile, here’s what’s been happening in the Brexit talks

Both sides have moved somewhat ahead of next week’s summit. Behind the scenes, Davis has been touring capital cities, while Juncker’s sidekick is enmeshed in scandal.

Ben Roback: Trump’s trade war spells trouble for Brexit Britain

The President is clearly prepared to put politics before economics, even at the expense of America’s traditional allies.

Blame Ministers in emperors’ new clothes – not naked civil servants

If you don’t like what the Treasury’s up to, criticise the Chancellor, who’s accountable for it – not those who work for him, who aren’t.

Charlie Elphicke: How to ensure the UK is ready to become a powerhouse of global trade

First we must ensure that we fully regain control of trade policy from Brussels. Then we must ensure we put those new powers to their fullest use.

The shuffle. May’s women gap.

It is hard to appoint more women to Cabinet when there are few senior women to promote. We count only four at Minister of State level.

There is scant evidence that May is about to u-turn on the Customs Union

The Prime Minister has made the freedom to strike trade deals, so important to key allies and the membership, a cornerstone of her strategy.

Liam Fox: In this new year, let’s resolve to capitalise on the huge trade and investment opportunities of Brexit

The pessimism of some at home is contradicted by the successes of British businesses, and the rising interest in the UK that I see around the world.

As the civil service starts to grow again Conservatives must remember our mission to reduce bureaucracy

Francis Maude was responsible for a huge achievement in slimming down the numbers in Whitehall. His legacy is under threat.