Bush Not The Only One Taking The Hit

Blair's defeat could hasten his departure:

'There is a seeping sense in Westminster that we are on the brink of some extraordinary change', said the BBC's political correspondent, Nick Robinson.

Observers noted that Blair, in his attempt to justify the extreme legal measure, pointed to the 'real and serious threat' from terrorism Britain was facing.

He had used exactly the same words in 2003 to describe the danger to Britain from Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction, they remarked.

Blair, commentators said, had clearly misjudged the gulf that had opened up in the Labour party over the war, coupled with a perceived arrogance he displayed in brushing aside his critics.

Poor Tony. Looks like the world may be waking up in general. Let's hope so.