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.

Grayling, Patten, the Far Right, the IRA, Brexit, the Speaker – and the difference between a threat and a warning

If two men are in a car, and the passenger says to the driver: “Look out! You’re going to crash,” he is shouting out the second, not the first.

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.

Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: Tory MPs fear Bercow is betraying Brexit

The anger expressed on the Conservative benches reflected the anger felt in many a humble home.

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.

Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: May will perhaps be able to enjoy Christmas after all

The wind has changed in the Prime Minister’s favour.

WATCH: Sturgeon argues that “Labour should table a confidence motion”

…and therefore, the SNP are not willing to do so themselves.

Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: May provokes derisive laughter and has exhausted the House’s patience

The Prime Minister looked like a straight actor who is appearing in a Christmas pantomime, in order to become the butt of everyone else’s jokes.

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.

The Commons renders the proposed television debate on Brexit utterly superfluous

It is hard to see how the different Brexit alternatives can be presented anything like as well on TV as they will be in Parliament.

Iain Dale: Why is May making her case to 35 million people won’t vote on her deal? And not to the 650 or so who will?

Plus: Keep the Brexit TV debate simple. Giving Allin-Khan and Duncan a piece of my mind. And: Carney – we’ve heard it all before.

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.

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.

“…need to be able to count”

Don’t presume anything about a Commons vote on May’s deal. Especially a second vote. If she’s still in place after a first one goes down…

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.