The backstop threatens the Union. Davidson knows it. And May can’t afford to lose her.

It isn’t just pro-Brexit MPs who should be watching the Prime Minister carefully. It’s pro-Union ones: in other words, all of them.

Stephen Booth: Why No Deal will only shave a small slice off growth – if we act wisely over the medium-term

Brexit won’t be the most important factor shaping our growth over the next decade or so, whether we leave with an agreement or without one.

Graham Brady: Air Passenger Duty remains a tax on trade, so let it be cut in the Budget

It will also boost our economy and allow businesses to create new, modern jobs in an exciting growth sector.

Lee Rotherham: What’s the point of Brexit if we’re shacked to a customs union?

Whitehall’s touted model is inherently flawed. It was ruled out during the referendum and by the Conservative manifesto.

May on the fence

Media focus is on the DUP. But we can’t help suspecting that near the heart of policy is a preoccupation with those just-in-time supply chains.

How the Monster of the Berlaymont could become the Monster of No Deal

In the event of no agreement, the Commission will be on its way out, new MEPs almost on their way in…and Selmayr will be in place. Send for the crucifixes and garlic!

WATCH: Lewis says there “must not be a hard border”

The Chairman of the Conservative Party emphasises that May has been “very clear” in committing to keep the “structure of the UK” intact.

Jason Reed: The DUP’s threats are in vain. May doesn’t need them any more.

Her ability to pass any Brexit bill through the Commons will depend more on the mood in the two main parties than the Northern Irish vote.

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 Or “withdrawn letters they never sent”.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.

Peter Lilley: The Prime Minister – a modern-day Queen Canute

Contrary to myth, the wise king was demonstrating what was beyond his powers. May has done the same – demonstrating gradually that a Canada Deal or No Deal are the only practicable options.

David Shiels: Brexit, Northern Ireland, and borders. Why the DUP may yet break ranks with May – and force a general election

The issue of the backstop is becoming more heated and harder to navigate as time goes by.

Victoria Hewson: Our new Brexit plan for a free trade agreement – complete with a solution to the backstop

The UK should be playing chess on multiple chess boards, with a strategy to advance the priorities in each. Progress in one arena reinforces the others.

Is May pivoting to Canada?

Prepare for a Rule Britannia defence of Chequers at Party Conference…followed by its junking afterwards, as May is forced towards the most practicable alternative presently on offer.

Theresa Villiers: The ERG’s solution to the Irish border opens the door to a wide-ranging free trade agreement

Now we will find out if the EU really is seeking practical progress, or if it is cynically exploiting the issue as a way to seek leverage.

Nick Boles: So you don’t like Chequers. In which case, you need a workable altenative. Here’s mine. What’s yours?

In the long-term, we should be pursuing a Canada-style free trade agreement. In the short, we should park ourselves in the EEA.