Back in the autumn of 2005 Tony Blair experienced his first ever Commons defeat. A healthy majority of 66 was turned into a 31 vote defeat on the key vote on the terrorism bill. Tony Blair, a prime minister who possessed impressive skills of persuasion, could not convince enough of his own MPs to back an increased limit of 90 days on the detention of terrorism suspects without charge, even with the vocal support of the chief constables. What chance Gordon?

The scene is now set for next week's battle with the government apparently pressing ahead with plans that would allow the police to hold terrorism suspects for up to 42 days before they are charged.