Sad necessity. Three Conservative MPs resign the whip to sit alongside the Independent Group

We regret the Party being less broad a tent than it did this morning. But the position of these MPs had become impossible – and intolerable.

Yes, our system favours the established parties. But it is not invulnerable to change. This could be the start of a breakthrough.

The failure of the SDP by no means proves that a new movement of this kind is doomed to failure.

Meghan Gallacher: The SNP is breaking its election pledge to limit Council Tax rises to three per cent

There will also be a levy on workplace car parking places. Residents could be taxed hundreds of pounds a year for driving into work.

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.

Craig Hoy: The SNP’s high-tax agenda could give the Scottish Tories an opening

But there are dangers that a future push for fiscal responsibility could be mischaracterised as ‘Conservative cuts’.

Thomas Kerr: The people of Scotland deserve a Council Tax freeze

Glaswegians have seen increases in their taxes – but no improvement in local services. This is why Conservatives are standing up for hard-working families.

James Bundy: A Department for the Union would strengthen our United Kingdom

It would be responsible for promoting the British brand right across the country – and there is a lot to promote.

Henry Hill: Sturgeon warns SNP to brace for early election if budget falls

Also: DUP urge Government to adopt more aggressive approach to EU negotiations; Cardiff Conservative councillor reinstated; and more.

Henry Hill: Salmond arrested as ministers get tough with Sturgeon

Also: Car bombing in Londonderry sparks concerns of ‘Brexit violence’ as SDLP announce partnership with Fianna Fail.

25 questions about (another) early general election – and the horror show it could be for the Conservatives

The more one thinks about it, the more problematic it becomes.

Henry Hill: The Salmond-Sturgeon standoff is costing the SNP its cohesion at a crucial moment

A party which usually operates with an almost eerie level of phalanx-like discipline is struggling to contain a split at the very top.

Stewart Jackson: Don’t pivot to the Customs Union, Prime Minister – it could destroy the Conservative Party

Breaking her promise in such a way would enrage many voters, divide her Party, and cost the nation dearly in lost Brexit opportunities.

Henry Hill: Sturgeon under fire after Salmond wins case against her government

Also: Scottish and Welsh Labour re-admit AM and councillor in antisemitism rows; and SDLP look south to merger with major Republic party.

Will Tanner and Guy Miscampbell: A graduate tax cut would put money back in the pockets of young people

The costs could be offset by encouraging a tenth of students away from low-value university and towards higher-value technical education.

The first department to need boosting post-March. The Treasury? Business? Transport? No: Northern Ireland.

The challenge to “our precious union” will be as much constitutional as economic – Deal, No Brexit…or No Deal especially.