Stephen Booth: There are reasons to be sceptical about the Brexit deal. But its security provisions aren’t one of them.

At the root of concerns seems to be a fear about what might happen, rather than what the Withdrawal Agreement actually says.

Michael Fabricant: It’s high time for us to rediscover our gung-ho spirit

Here in America, those I meet are surprised by Britain’s reluctance to let go of the apron strings that seem to tie us to the EU.

“For mighty dread had seized their troubled mind”

Unlike the angel, we’re unable to announce tidings of great joy. But it’s worth mulling why the Christmas season can pause even Brexit hostilities.

Shailesh Vara: A Better Deal would solve the backstop problem

Our plan is supported by remainers like me, by leavers such as David Davis and Dominic Raab and, crucially, by the DUP.

Charlie Elphicke: The Cabinet must decide today to trigger no deal preparations in full

This is what we have been doing at the Dover front line – working hard on preparations for disruption. We are making sure that we stand ready.

James Frayne: Might the UK see its own Yellow Vest uprising?

Let us hope not. It’s unlikely, but not completely impossible. The Government must battle four trends to reduce the risk.

Garvan Walshe: What Macron can learn from Thatcher’s victory against the miners’ strike

The Gilets Jaunes protests are not just a challenge to his tax policy, but to the democratically elected government of France. He must hit back.

Nick Hargrave: If we join the EEA, others might follow – thus creating a Europe-wide, non-federalist alternative to the EU

As a bloc with heightened economic weight, with the UK as a key influence, it would have greater flexibility to negotiate over issues such as immigration and budgetary contributions.

Alexander Temerko: The relationship between business and government has never been as meaningless as under May

The key to a good Brexit is empowering UK entrepreneurs to talk to their European counterparts and become ambassadors for Downing Street’s plan.

Interview. David Owen’s Brexit plan. Move from transition through the EEA into Canada Plus Plus Plus – before the next election.

The former Foreign Secretary says May’s team are inexperienced in EU negotiations and are “pushing out disinformation”.

Lord Ashcroft: The Tory MPs who say “they have sent in letters they haven’t”. Or “withdrawn letters they never sent”.

Brady reports no confidence moves against May that might not be no confidence moves at all.

Howard Flight: There must be more to Conservative Government than putting up taxes

It is the spending that needs to be controlled and reduced, rather than taxes increased yet further.

Charlotte Salomon: Is it time to let the high street die?

Big retail hasn’t adapted to the new world of e-commerce after 20 years – and it’s doubtful whether it ever will.

Henry Newman: What will the EU look like after we have left it?

Our exit in will coincide with a new cycle of European elections which will redraw political power in the European Parliament and other EU institutions.

Liam Fox: We must seize our exporting future in a changing world

Our new Export Strategy, which I am launching today, will put in place the tools that businesses have told us they need to help them on their journey.