Interview: Ben Houchen – Teesside will show how Britain can thrive after Brexit

In the second piece in our three-part mini-series, the Mayor tells ConservativeHome that freeport status can transform the area.

WATCH: Bertie Ahern, the former Irish Taoiseach, dismisses the ramp about a hard border on the island of Ireland

“Lets be honest about it, there never will be a border, there’s not going to be a physical border across Ireland.”

John Ashworth: The Government must not betray fishermen and coastal communities in the Brexit talks

Even the 21-month implementation period could drive more boats out of business, and leave us ill-equipped to rebuild a long-suffering industry.

The presence of people like Orban in the EU club should worry Brussels far more than the prospect of Britain leaving it

He often disagrees with EU policies, but would not be averse to using its powers and institutions to promote a very different, nativist, concept of Europe and Europeans.

Syed Kamall: Europe’s response to Russia highlight’s Britain’s continued influence

As well as sending a very strong signal to Moscow, the Government is making good progress towards a Brexit deal too.

Iain Dale: London murders and gang grooming

Plus: Erdogan, Putin and Rouhani meet at the Three Wise Monkeys Summit – hear no evil, see no evil…and evil. Guess which is which.

Isabel Sigmac: Animal welfare. Gove has made a good start, but there’s much more to do – such as a live export ban.

Other issues to be addressed include religious slaughter, the fur trade, cruelty, puppy mills, factory farming, testing and increasing threats to our wildlife.

WATCH: Ici Londres – The tide of history flows away from the EU’s imperial delusions, argues Hannan

“If size were the key to success, China would be wealthier than Hong Kong, Indonesia would be wealthier than Singapore, and the EU would be wealthier than Switzerland.”

Simon Clarke: A greener City of London will outpace Paris and Frankfurt after Brexit

The Government should back the fastest growing sector of the economy, demand transparency and send clear policy signals.

Our survey. Half of Tory members are satisfied with May’s transition deal. Almost two in five are dissatisfied.

That’s down from the seven in ten who backed the pre-Christmas EU agreement, but Downing Street may well think the finding could be a lot worse.

Henry Newman: The unified reaction to the Skripal affair suggests talk of Britain’s ‘isolation’ was premature

To listen to some commentators a few weeks ago, you’d have thought it was only EU membership – not shared interests and values – that brings allies together.

Rebecca Lowe: As Brexit looms in less than a year, here’s how to approach devolving power

To me, it is clear that the UK could benefit from greater decentralisation. But, to repeat, that does not mean that new arrangements must be introduced now.

Jonathan Clark: How should we reform our tax system after Brexit?

In the post-leave springtime, it will be worth considering what would happen if all three were abolished and replaced by a single Turnover Tax.

Andrea Leadsom: It’s a year today until Brexit. Let’s continue to proclaim that it will be good for Britain.

The evidence points to a thriving City, and so I will continue to talk up our financial sector as the best game in town.

Are Brexiteer MPs paper tigers?

At each turn to date, they have decided that the best shouldn’t be the enemy of the good. Which suggests that they won’t vote against any heads of agreement – however imperfect.