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A battle won...but Brown faces more backbench woes
SCRAPING home in last night's vote may buy Gordon Brown a little breathing space but it does not mean his troubles are over. Far from it.
Even after passing through the Commons, the Counter Terrorism Bill still has to get through the Lords where opposition will be even tougher. Former Ministers Lord Falconer and ex-Attorney General Lord Goldsmith are among the opponents.
Defeat there would leave the Government having to rely on the Parliament Act to over-ride peers and force the Bill into law, a time-consuming and unsatisfactory solution.
But the Prime Minister, enduring record lows in the polls, is also having to deal with Labour backbenchers who have a taste for a deal.
Emboldened by their success in forcing concessions on counter-terrorism and a U-turn on 10p tax, Labour backbenchers have got their tails up – and know if they hold their nerve there are sweeteners to be had.
"It's basically your heart's desire," one leading rebel was quoted as saying yesterday as whips and Ministers served up offers to bring MPs on board.
Professor Phil Cowley, of Nottingham University, an expert in Parliamentary rebellions, said: "It's a sign the Government has woken up to the realities of what's going on. What's remarkable is they're having to do this with a majority of 60 – they're having to govern like they've got a majority of 20.
"Labour MPs have got the taste for concessions. That will now be part and parcel of any policy any of them are unhappy with."
Mr Brown is already facing another sizeable rebellion over planning reforms, which should have been debated in the Commons nearly two weeks ago but have twice been put back. Ministers have been forced to frantically negotiate with rebel leaders on the issue, including Sheffield Attercliffe's Clive Betts in an attempt to head off another embarrassing defeat.
Pressure for U-turns over rises in Vehicle Excise Duty and a 2p rise in fuel duty will mount, particularly as families endure rising food and fuel prices. The prospect of further protests by hauliers threatens more unwelcome headlines, while the rocky economy remains the single biggest issue.
The unions are also beginning to flex their muscles with particular demands for better pay deals for public workers.
Add to that the Tory momentum after stunning gains in local elections and the Crewe and Nantwich by-election and the popularity gulf between David Cameron and Mr Brown, and there's plenty of cause for concern inside Downing Street yet.
More coverage:
'Principles sacrificed' as Brown scapes through>>
Whips' pressure pays off as 42 days defeat averted>>
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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