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.

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.

Matt Smith: After two decades of devolution, Wales needs defending from its own leaders

Cardiff Bay has incubated an insular cartel whose hostility to reform is delivering public apathy and policy failure.

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: 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.

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.

“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.”

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.

Mark Isherwood: The Welsh Government’s local budget settlement is rife with cronyism

Labour-run councils in Cardiff, Newport, and Neath Port Talbot see extra funding – while others have cuts imposed.