Brexit, Johnson, Merkel, Macron – and 30 days in the wilderness

Their words, like Johnson’s visit itself, look more like more gambits in a blame game than a genuine change of heart.

Geoffrey van Orden: Why Conservative MEPs voted for von der Leyen, an advocate of an EU army, for Commission President

The alternatives were worse – and her record in overseeing the Bundeswehr suggests that the misguided project would be doomed on her watch.

Garvan Walshe: By picking von der Leyen, the EU has ensured that Remain would lose a second referendum

The ‘remain and reform’ mantra was implausible to begin with, but the choice of new EU Commission President fatally undermines it.

The farcical horse-trading of the EU’s top job is a stark reminder of why we must leave

Who are you voting for to run the EU Commission? Have you watched the debates and scrutinised their manifestos? Oh, wait.

Mark Harper: We need a date for Britain to leave the EU. But here’s why it can’t be October 31st – much as I’d like it to be.

So how are we going to get a new deal? The key is to build strong relationships, both across the Party, with our DUP allies, and with our European partners.

Henry Newman: The Alternative Arrangements Commission offers the best route through the backstop problem

There are real, viable answers to this sticky problem. But rebuilding trust may be as hard as resolving technical questions.

Anthony Browne: Policy Gains from Brexit 5) Making regional development more effective

The then EU Budget Commissioner told me that giving control of this funding to national governments would make it subject to “democratic whim”.

Stephen Booth: Brexit and the economy. There are ups, there are downs. But whatever happens, our fundamentals remain strong.

A flexible labour market, a well-regarded legal system, and comparatively favourable demographics relative to the major European economies are all valuable assets.

Henry Newman and Guglielmo Verdirame: It’s unlikely the backstop will be scrapped. But supplementing it can win what we want.

Even if the Exchange of Letters were viewed as just short of a treaty, it would be far from legally worthless.

Interview: Francois insists that the ERG wants the backstop ditched altogether – not tweaked

“In my personal opinion, Olly Robbins should go to the Tower, in which case he should arrive by river.”

Johannes de Jong: Many of you think May’s deal is bad for Britain. But it’s bad for us other Europeans too.

EU federalism will be stronger in Britain, as rules are simply imposed on you. And stronger in the rest of Europe – because you’re leaving us.

The leaked draft of the Political Declaration on the Future Relationship: link to full text

Beefed up to 26 pages (from seven), the Prime Minister hopes it will be enough to reassure rebellious MPs.

“It brings back control of our borders, our money and our laws.” The Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement – full text

“And it does so while protecting jobs, protecting our security and protecting the integrity of the United Kingdom.”

May’s Deal 3) Alex Morton – If the Commons rejects it, here are three alternatives

Perhaps the Prime Minister will secure Parliament’s approval. But if she does not, the Conservative Party must choose a direction quickly.

A Budget with a message for Conservative MPs. Nice little seat you have there. Pity if anything happened to it.

In sum, Hammond said: vote for May’s Deal – or the economy gets it. But there’s more than one way of dicing the next election result.