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.

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.

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.

Henry Hill: Senior Scottish Tories ‘plotting to block Johnson’s bid for Downing Street’

Also: Bradley retains May’s confidence as she takes belated action on MLA salaries; Plaid’s new, right-wing leader offers prospect of Tory pact; and more.

Henry Hill: McCluskey suggests that Unite may support Labour standing in Northern Ireland

It’s a Labour special: Leonard contradicts Corbyn to rule out support for second Scottish referendum; and Jones offers cash boost to firms affected by Brexit.

Another review won’t spare ministers the need to grasp the nettle of railway reform

Public anger over disruption, fare increases, and cancelled investment needs to be answered – or they will be tempted by Labour’s calls for nationalisation.

Henry Hill: Brexiteer Unionist MP survives first-ever recall petition

Also: Salmond faces mounting pressure over allegations; Welsh Labour scrap electoral college for leadership vote; DUP maintain tough border stance; and more.

Robert Goodwill: The Commons Bill this week which prepares the way for a Green Brexit

Last week, I sowed wild bird seed mixtures so that, in the spring, some of our fields will be ablaze with nectar plants and buzzing with insects once more.

Henry Hill: Bradley retains May’s confidence as she belatedly cuts MLAs’ pay

Also: Davies pledges more diversity and radicalism from the Welsh Tories; fears of Labour stitch-up in race to replace Jones; and more.