Downing Street’s reshuffle sees Symonds’ grip tighten

We hope that Finn, Newman and the rest of the new appointees provide a fresh sense of direction and purpose.

The Politics of And. Securing the Majority. 4) Getting more Conservatives appointed to public bodies

In government under Cameron, Francis Maude and his SpAds helped to make a difference. Time to call in Baroness Finn to hold a review.

Stephen Booth: The strict time limit will steer the next phase of Brexit towards a clear choice

For both Brexiteers and the EU, Brexit is a constitutional issue, from which economic consequences flow, rather than the other way around.

Ryan Bourne: Beware the push by Hammond and others to make Britain an EU rule-taker

At stake here is whether Britain ultimately repatriates meaningful economy policy, or remains only ever one small step away from EU re-entry.

David Shiels: Here’s how the Government should meet the challenges of No Deal

Open Europe’s new report offers a clear-eyed assessment of the practical and political hurdles the Prime Minister may face.

David Shiels: What now are the chances of unstopping the backstop?

The Irish Government have failed to grasp the extent to which unionist concerns would be listened in London.

A No Deal Brexit. “It’s not going to be the end of the world. But it’s not going to be a walk in the park either.”

Since the Government believes the Yellowhammer leak details are out of date, it should publish an up-to-date assessment as soon as possible.

Henry Newman: There is a path for the new Prime Minister that leads to Brexit. But it’s very narrow – and must be taken at once.

There are four possible approaches he could take on Brexit. Not all of them lead to success.

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.

Corbyn will win if today’s Commons motion is passed. And Tory leadership candidates know it.

Gove, Stewart and perhaps others too could see their standing and prospects damaged this afternoon.

James Frayne: The five essential tests to weigh up Conservative leadership candidates

Plus a sixth, less formal, question: are they ridiculous?

Henry Newman: The Tory poll collapse is nothing to do with May’s Withdrawal Agreement. MPs should vote for it – and deliver Brexit

A basic problem remains unaltered – that there is no Commons majority for a No Deal Brexit. This point has been well made by Ann Widdecombe.

David Shiels: European Parliamentary elections would pose problems for the main parties. But especially for the Conservatives.

New polling for Open Europe shows that the Tories have special reason to be wary of this consequence of a long extension.

Dominic Walsh: What a customs union does and doesn’t do – and how it compares to the backstop.

Precisely because it would be a rather unnecessary addition to the current deal, it is hard to argue that the proposal would be a disaster for Brexit.

Andrew Smith: Whatever indicative votes produce, let it not be Norway Plus

It would be dangerous for UK business and would leave both Leavers and Remainers dissatisfied. It would leave Britain subject to free movement.