Hammond tries to lure Stormont back to its feet with yet more powers; Scots Tories highlight Budget role; and more.
Also: Scottish Labour plunge into chaos again as interim leader resigns; Brokenshire threatens MLAs’ pay; MPs debate ‘indyref2’; and more.
Also: Brokenshire challenges Brussels to find a ‘creative solution’ for Northern Ireland; Jones faces calls to quit after colleague’s apparent suicide; Salmond bids for control of anti-independence paper.
If the Northern Irish Office is manifestly unwilling to move towards direct rule, it has no leverage against Ulster’s recalcitrant legislators.
His toothless policy towards the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein has created an unsustainable democratic vacuum in Northern Ireland.
Also: Brokenshire announces progress in Ulster devolution talks; Plaid Cymru break off compact with Labour; and Northern Irish Speaker accused of paramilitary links.
Also: Prison reform campaigner compares Wales to Australia; Foster praises May’s speech; Scottish Labour leadership challengers urge party to vote down Brexit deal.
Also: Veteran Welsh Labour nationalist floats party split over Brexit; rival parties joined DUP to push for no back-dating of donor transparency in Ulster; and more.
Also: Welsh Government want you to tell them how they can tax you into a better person; donor transparency for Ulster; and SNP shielded from EU fine by London.
A sensible solution is achievable, but unnecessary brinksmanship and over-the-top rhetoric helps nobody.