Strengthening Ulster’s bonds with the mainland starts with ending the de facto exile of its unionist politics – if Johnson and Foster have the imagination and will to see it done.
On a visit to Scotland, the Prime Minister pledges to “hold out the hand, go the extra mile, or the extra thousand miles” for a good deal.
Plus: should Patel have come? Should Mordaunt have gone? And: my predictions. What I got right and wrong.
His appointments to the Territorial Offices are a mixed bag: Cairns is a welcome retention, Jack a bold but possibly risky change, and Smith another letdown for Ulster.
The new Prime Minister will inherit the worst political legacy in living memory – with the very barest of working majorities.
Also: Bebb to stand down as MP over Tory policy on Brexit; Bradley criticised for rushing ill-drafted Northern Irish legislation.
Those preparing to block No Deal should add our final report, to be released this week, to their summer reading list.
Also: A good week for devoscepticism as Hunt urges Johnson to rule out new powers for Holyrood; Lidington and Mundell issue warnings on the Union; and more.
If MPs want to disrupt the constitution and limit prerogative powers, they should say so in terms, not indirectly with a nudge and a wink.
There has been no consultation with those who live in the part of the UK that these changes would affect.
Plus: Johnson, not a populist. Hunt’s beside manner. Lewis and his highly professional CCHQ team. And: the courage of 16 year old Ajay.
Also: Next Prime Minister faces tricky questions on devolution, same-sex marriage, and abortion in Ulster; and May orders a review of devolution – will it do any good?
He has a clear plan to leave the EU, and as a former Brexit Secretary I can say that it is credible and has my support.
From Brexit to social issues, our Union is under growing pressure. Westminster must take a well-informed and pro-active approach to my Province.