Henry Hill: SDLP link-up with Fianna Fail has a rocky start as senior MLA quits

Also: Backlash grows against SNP’s new tax; Labour AM apologises for antisemitic comment; and Scottish Tories say they’ve stopped Johnson.

David Shiels: By talking up a No Deal Irish border poll, Ministers are playing into Sinn Fein’s hands

The topic is being discussed – including at Cabinet – but that in itself is not convincing evidence that such a major change is imminent.

WATCH: Varadkar – “Today is not a day for negotiations”

The Taoiseach was speaking ahead of today’s talks with Theresa May and Northern Irish political leaders.

WATCH: In Belfast, May reiterates her “unshakeable” opposition to a hard border

She sought to reassure the “many people…worried about what Parliament’s rejection of the withdrawal deal means for them.”

The Moggcast. “The backstop has to go.” Rees-Mogg sets out his red lines.

He talks Brady, Norway, prorogation, and postponing Article 50, and explains why the ERG is “not a fourth party”. Plus: does the Queen listen to the Moggcast?

Graham Brady: My amendment is still the best way to ensure that we get a proper Brexit

The Withdrawal Agreement is far from ideal, but strip it of its worst fault – the backstop – and we can build a viable majority to proceed.

WATCH: “The backstop…isn’t going to change”, says Coveney

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister is blunt: “We have already agreed to a series of compromises.”

Guto Bebb: Conservative MPs’ opposition to this deal is about far more than just the backstop

Only 13 of the more than 100 colleagues who are publicly opposed have said that their position is solely based on that aspect of the plan.

How Dublin ran rings round May on the Northern Ireland border

Tony Connelly describes in painful detail the success of Irish negotiators in aligning themselves with the EU27, while leaving the Brits to flounder.

Henry Hill: Unionist parties unite against backstop as Varadkar rules out fresh talks

Also: Welsh Labour choose their new leader (and First Minister) this afternoon; Scottish Tories attack SNP over tax divergence plans.

Henry Newman: May’s deal could be saved with prompt improvements – such as a Stormont lock

Giving Northern Ireland a say over the introduction of new EU laws would at least introduce a measure of democracy into the system.

“The UK joined as one nation and must leave on that basis.” The DUP’s letter to May – full text

“Unlike the previous political declarations, the scope for delay, fudge or obscurantist language has passed. This is now a time for clarity and plain speaking.”

Henry Newman: How to manage No Deal? To start with, pledge to reduce tariffs.

With the backstop blocking progress in the negotiations, the Government must map out its plan to mitigate the effects of no agreement being reached.

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.

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.