The political week in 5 points
By: Jamie Pow
Tags: Brexit, Chequers Plan, Deliberative Democracy, Building Change Trust, Arlene Foster

Russian suspects say they were merely visiting “wonderful city” of Salisbury. In a bizarre joint interview with RT, a Russian state-sponsored outlet, Ruslan Borishov and Alexander Petrov claim to have been tourists, and denied allegations that they were responsible for deploying the deadly nerve agent Novichok. A spokesman for the UK government repeated its assessment that “these men are officers of the Russian military intelligence service — the GRU — who used a devastatingly toxic, illegal chemical weapon on the streets of our country,” accusing Russia of responding to its evidence “with obfuscation and lies.”

RHI inquiry evidence paints unflattering picture of devolved governance. At the start of the week the inquiry heard remarkable allegations from Jonathan Bell’s former special adviser. In a witness statement, Timothy Cairns claimed that his then “clearly intoxicated” boss had fallen asleep at a New York bar on a departmental trip and went on to sing ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ “at full volume” back to his hotel. Later in the week Arlene Foster’s former special adviser, Dr Andrew Crawford, faced intense scrutiny from the inquiry panel. Its chairman suggested that Dr Crawford’s handling of RHI cost controls constituted as “sales pitch for Moy Park,” and raised questions over his wider family’s uptake of the scheme.

European Research Group publishes paper on the Irish border issue. Led by Jacob-Rees Mogg, the hardline Conservative group’s paper criticised the European Union for giving too much weight to the Irish government’s position, calling for it to “learn more from respected voices in Northern Ireland.” It also dismissed key elements of Theresa May’s Chequers Plan, instead advocating increased use of technology, checks away from the border itself, and mutual recognition of goods. Michael Gove, a prominent Brexiteer who backs the Chequers Plan, suggested on the Andrew Marr Show that a future prime minister could “choose to alter the relationship” negotiated between the UK’s current government and the EU.

Former Trump campaign chairman will cooperate with Mueller investigation. In a plea agreement with the Special Counsel’s team, Paul Manafort admitted his guilt on two conspiracy charges and pledged to disclose “his participation in and knowledge of all criminal activities.” Mr Manafort’s lawyer says his client has “agreed to fully cooperate.” It is expected that his cooperation will reduce his likely lengthy jail sentence. The development will not have been well received in the White House, particularly given Mr Manafort’s established connections with Russia. Just a few weeks ago President Trump had tweeted admiration for his former campaign manager when he apparently refused to ‘flip’: “Such respect for a brave man!”

Citizens’ assembly pilot to be held in Northern Ireland this autumn. A group of between 50 and 100 ordinary citizens representative of the wider population, selected from the Electoral Register, will meet over two weekends to consider the issue of adult social care. They will take evidence from experts on the role of the health service, communities and individuals in delivering an effective social care system. Their recommendations will not be binding, but organisers hope they will assist decision-makers. The initiative is funded by non-governmental organisations, including the Building Change Trust, and being organised by the charity Involve. Its director, Tim Hughes, said, “The Citizens’ Assembly for Northern Ireland will demonstrate the role members of the public can play in helping to tackle the challenges that face us.”