London has set a pattern for big talk and no action, but that this seems a hostile leak may be grounds to take it seriously.
Also: Rees-Mogg once again talks tough on the Protocol – but does the Government really have the will to act?
Also: Sturgeon likened to Trump after she bans print journalists from SNP launch event.
Ministers must not forget that parts of the South East, including some coastal communities, are as in need of attention as anywhere else.
Watch in particular for interaction between Ukrainian refugees and small boats as the year lengthens.
Also: as Scottish Labour ditch the traditional rose, when will the national parties overhaul their ageing brands?
His call for a stronger British state reflects the thinking of many Conservatives… but not, yet, the Government’s actual policy.
With traditional cluelessness, Westminster devolved planning policy without a carve-out for vital national infrastructure projects.
Also: devolved administrations cling tight to Covid powers; Lewis raises prospect of prosecuting terrorists; SNP retreat from pension lie.
The DUP has suspended checks and Stormont is on the brink of collapse; if Truss cannot secure concessions, Johnson must act.
The Government could end up with a series of Burnhams and Khans, constantly trying to undermine it.
Not even the best reforming Minister I’ve ever seen can smooth out disagreements between the Treasury and Downing Street.
Gove is ready to localise as much either as he wants to or as his colleagues will let him, or both. I hope it’s work in progress.
Radical devolution and a new focus on HE and FE are among two things that can help the Government achieve its aims.
Better integration with academic courses, more employer involvement, and a clearer balance between local and national oversight would all help.