News and opinion

Should SNP opponents start trying to understand why the party is so successful instead of 'treating nationalism like a virus to be cured'? In her contribution to our devolution at 20 series, Lynn Bennie from University of Aberdeen explores how the SNP's electoral success has continues after over 10 years in government.

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.

If Boris Johnson is serious in his commitments to the Union, he will need a new strategy for managing the territorial constitution, argues Akash Paun from the Institute of Government, as a no deal Brexit would be a high risk gamble with the future of the Union.

Richard Parry reviews a frantic week with the biggest events still to come

Nicola McEwen asks how might the devolved governments of Wales and Scotland respond to Boris Johnson's proposals for Northern Ireland?

Mary C. Murphy of University College Cork discusses the Prime Minister’s ‘compromise’ for Northern Ireland.