A party which can’t even bear to say ‘Northern Ireland’ will never make Irish Brits feel welcome in an all-island state.
It is worth remembering that the current backlash would be much worse had the Government not subsequently acted to unilaterally extend ‘grace periods’.
Dominic Raab says that there has been “constructive engagement” with Brussels, but no breakthrough.
Meanwhile observers are already speculating about whether today’s performance will cost Douglas Ross his job.
Also: it looks like it will be a good day for Labour in both Wales and Scotland as Douglas Ross struggles to make headway.
London has set a pattern for big talk and no action, but that this seems a hostile leak may be grounds to take it seriously.
A tight focus on North Down has better odds for medium-term success than the usual rash of paper candidacies.
Also: For the first time in twelve years, the terror threat level in Northern Ireland has fallen.
Taking Article 16 ‘off the table’ is only a tempting offer if the other side believes you’ll actually use it.
Also: devolved administrations cling tight to Covid powers; Lewis raises prospect of prosecuting terrorists; SNP retreat from pension lie.
Once done, it will be near-impossible to back down with Stormont elections looming. Can the Government secure the deal it needs?
Also: DUP call for ‘unionist unity’ pact is a cul-de-sac for Northern Ireland that the other parties should resist.
Also: SNP’s nuclear hypocrisy forces MoD to consider relocating Trident even though an independent Scotland would join NATO.