Blair Survives to Fight Another Day
January 27, 2004
Prime Minister Tony Blair survived a rebellion within his own party to narrowly avoid a defeat rebellion in the House of Commons on Tuesday on the controversial debate surrounding plans to increase university fees.
The embattled premier, facing the hardest week in his six year tenure as prime minister, watched as a last-minute campaign to secure backing for the much criticized legislation paid off when 316 lawmakers voted in favor, while 311 voted against. Labour lawmakers cheered loudly as the result was announced.
A defeat would have been Blair's first in Parliament since taking office in 1997 and would have put him in the position where a no confidence vote put forward by opposition conservatives and Labour rebels may have unseated him.
Blair looks towards Hutton Report
The victory offered the prime minister a brief reprieve during one of the tensest weeks of his leadership. On Wednesday, Lord Hutton is due to publish his report into the death of David Kelly, the weapons adviser caught up in a controversy over the government's justification of the war in Iraq. Recent polls suggest that if the report implies that Blair lied over whether he sanctioned the leaking of Dr. Kelly’s identity, most Britons will call for his resignation; a call that would be greatly amplified by his opponents.
Tuesday's vote meant the tuition fees bill passed its second reading, which is an agreement on its basic principles. It next goes before a committee of lawmakers who consider the legislation in detail and suggest possible changes before submitting it to a third reading in the Commons.
If approved at that stage, the bill moves to the House of Lords, which can delay or amend the legislation but not block it. The proposal becomes law after winning the backing of both houses and receiving royal assent.
Wednesday’s events may decide whether Tony Blair will still be in office to see that happen.