News and opinion

The dynamics of the upcoming general election are very different in Scotland in comparison to the rest of the UK, argues Nicola McEwen in her blog for UK in a Changing Europe, as Brexit is unlikely to be the defining issue, and the SNP look to dominate force.

The 2019 General Election signals a dramatic change in the Northern Irish political landscape. Jonathan Evershed, University College Cork, analyses whats happening in key seats throughout the country and tackles the issues that will dominate the debate.

Richard Parry assesses the prospects as the starting-gun is fired on Election 2019.

There has been no analysis comparing the treatment of devolution in May's and Johnson's Brexit deals, even though the Withdrawal Agreement could have profound impact on devolved institutions. In this blog from UK in a Changing Europe, Nicola McEwen discusses the role of devolved institutions in scrutinising the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

Richard Parry reviews yet more dramatic days in the House of Commons.

When the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by Theresa May was debated in the House of Commons many Conservative MPs argued that they could not vote for an arrangement that would treat Northern Ireland differently from Great Britain. The revised deal negotiated by Boris Johnson envisages far greater divergence within the UK, yet is far more popular among Conservatives. Jack Sheldon and Michael Kenny explain how this u-turn has come about.

Jonathan Evershed of University College Cork explores the DUP strategy ahead of Saturday's debates.

Michael Keating evaluates Boris Johnson's replacement for the backstop - a new version of the backstop.

Richard Parry assesses the differences between the May and Johnson deals and why the new one opts for loosening union ties with Northern Ireland.