The rebellion over Lords reform was tactically smart, brilliantly organised and above all thoroughly disciplined - and the government whips were out-whipped.

BBC: Reconciliation and rebuilding?

Government whips are confident that between 50 and 60 signatories of the anti-fees motion will now either vote with the government or abstain.

ECONOMIST: It's not tuition fees they don't like, it's Tony

While the effects on some waverers of some fairly brutal arm-twisting by the government whips should not be discounted, nor should Mr Blair's persuasiveness.

ECONOMIST: The politics of war