I won’t let fears of being branded ‘anti-devolution’ stop me calling out Drakeford’s deeply counterproductive conduct.
Also: Kawczynski clashes with colleagues over the future of Welsh devolution; Government capitulates on an Irish Sea border; and more.
The unique circumstances of the pandemic temporarily forged a common response, but cracks are already appearing and will only deepen.
Scotland and Wales have both declined to adopt the Government’s new ‘Stay Alert’ formulation, raising the prospect of a rift in approach.
In order to maintain a UK-wide approach, the infrastructure for a ‘test, trace, and track’ strategy has to be in place across the board at the same time.
It may prove easier to maintain coordination when imposing the rules than easing them, especially if regional variegation is called for.
The biggest bone of contention is that parks are closed in Newport – despite the advice in England that they should stay open.
Also: Welsh Labour demand less alignment with London on coronavirus policy; and Sinn Fein isolated in objecting to Army support in Northern Ireland.
By taking refuge once again in his party’s only idea, Starmer puts himself behind even Gordon Brown in his constitutional thinking.
Also: Opposition parties force the SNP to abandon a bid to suspend trial by jury; and more good reading on the fallout from Alex Salmond’s acquittal.
Also: Salmond gathers his forces and his allies call for inquiries and resignations as the SNP civil war gathers momentum.
Also: Gove warns the Electoral Commission not to ‘waste time’ on SNP demands; Scottish Nationalists showing the strain as problems mount; and more.
At one point he even started firing questions back at me from the stage, putting paid to the moderators’ hopes of continuing the Q&A.
The First Minister emphasises that the devolved administrations are working with the Government and there is no disagreement on strategy.
Ahead of next year’s elections, we have to show our sceptical voters that we’re not just another horse on the Cardiff Bay carousel.