Sunak whistles in the dark

The Chancellor is groping his way, knowing well that the future is unknowable, trying to hold on to as much of the past as he can.

Richard Holden: On Wednesday, Sunak needs to show as much confidence in Britain as local publicans in North West Durham

It was superb to see responsible local businesses investing, and ensuring a safe and socially distanced experience for their customers.

Wanted: an international solution to the plight of the Hong Kongers

Three million of them are unlikely to pitch up here, but government must plan for all eventualities – and support for its plan wouldn’t survive a mass influx.

James Roberts: Big state spender Roosevelt shouldn’t be Gove’s new role model

In that sense, his speech could easily have been given by a much more fitting figure for the Ditchley Foundation: Tony Blair.

Robert Halfon: Johnson delivers for the workers but Starmer could win back their votes

Never underestimate the power of Labour. Its message of helping the underdog and the poor is enduring, still popular and extremely potent.

Peter Lampl: To build social justice and get the economy working, schools must open fully in September

The Education Endowment Foundation estimates that ten years of progress in closing the attainment gap has been reversed by school closures.

Polling snapshot. Is the statues and history fracas helping to solidify the Conservative vote?

The blue share in the poll of polls hit 43 per cent on June 2 and hasn’t moved the best part of a month later.

The shake-up that the Government needs to rescue education for a generation of children

Johnson has fewer than three months in which to move public opinion – the key to getting schools moving again.

Iain Dale: “Winston Churchill gave voice to the nation’s courage and Vera Lynn gave voice to its heart”

Plus: If only the Remainers had behaved like Rashford. And: the lesson I draw from Twitter – “Immer mit der Ruhe”

Robert Halfon: The Government was wise to give way to Rashford. Now let him head up the Social Mobility Commission.

Plus: vision from the top for left-behind pupils, a National Education Broadcasting Service, and Alan Turing summer schools.

Andrew Green: We cannot responsibly fling our doors open to three million Hong Kongers

This is 25 times the number of skilled work permits issued each year to non-EU citizens and their dependants.

The schools debacle is a consequence not of the personal failings of Williamson, but of the structural flaws of this Government

We have a dominating centre and compliant Ministers. The Education Secretary was given his marching orders, and told to like them or lump them.

James Frayne: We should prepare ourselves to hear horrifying tales of what’s happened in lockdown Britain

Getting the economy moving won’t even begin to give the Government political momentum. It will need to conduct its own Fairness Audit.

Race and justice – not just a black and white issue

As a rule, the Conservatives are unclear about the politics of equality and identity. But there’s at least one Minister who isn’t.

Alec Shelbrooke: Next year’s exam season should be postponed – to allow more catch-up time in schools

It would require the willingness of exam boards to adjust their timetables. But with the will to achieve this, it could be done.