Craig Hoy: Stop demanding the law-abiding simply learn to live with anti-social behaviour

Too many lives are marred by the unrestrained destructive behaviour of a minority. The poorest and most vulnerable suffer the most.

“For mighty dread had seized their troubled mind”

Unlike the angel, we’re unable to announce tidings of great joy. But it’s worth mulling why the Christmas season can pause even Brexit hostilities.

Henry Hill: DUP MP calls for direct rule to stop unelected civil servants running Northern Ireland

Also: possible breakthrough for devoscepticism as ‘Abolish the Assembly’ projected to win seats; and Scottish Tories embroiled in EU referendum row.

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 Hill: DUP alliance with Brexiteers holds firm as crucial vote looms

Also: Jones accused of ‘pre-judging’ allegations against former minister as inquiry continues; and May clashes with Sturgeon over independence.

The UK “will leave the European Union. We will then begin a new chapter in our national life.” May’s letter – full text

“I will be campaigning with my heart and soul to win that vote and to deliver this Brexit deal, for the good of our United Kingdom and all of our people.”

Keep your eyes fixed on the Withdrawal Agreement, which would be backed by law. Not on this Political Declaration. Which wouldn’t.

A staple of stagecraft magic is misdirection. While his audience is gawping at one thing, the magician is swiftly doing another. So it may be now.

Henry Hill: Hammond and Johnson set to appear at the DUP conference

Also: Jones criticised for shielding ministers from independent scrutiny; and Mundell’s bizarre pop at ‘carpet-bagging’ colleagues.

Henry Hill: Bradley faces another week of fierce criticism over ‘flying visit’

Also: Scottish Tories attack SNP over income tax ‘gap’; no boost for Plaid from new leader; and DUP’s Brexit donation given a clean bill of legal health.

Henry Hill: Cox agrees to meet Tory MPs campaigning for troops who served in Northern Ireland

Also: May meets new Plaid leader in Downing Street; Bradley mulls ‘external mediator’ for devolution talks; SNP row over ‘People’s Vote’; and more.

Nick Hargrave: The Conservatives should be thinking ahead about a future border poll in Northern Ireland

Ireland has in recent years moved from a restrictive semi-theocratic state to a more relaxed definition of Irishness. And then there is Brexit…

Henry Hill: Scores of Tory MPs and peers urge May to protect Ulster veterans

Also: Scottish Conservatives keep up the pressure over fishing and the backstop; Plaid set out new front bench; and Bradley empowers Northern Irish civil service.

Use of the Caine

The significance of the Northern Ireland SpAd’s tweet lies less in its content than its author – and that it has been issued at all.

John Hayes: Talking of threats to the Belfast Agreement, here’s another – this abortion bill to be considered next week

The British Government has repeatedly and recently confirmed that abortion law has long been a devolved matter, and it should stay that way.

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.