Blair hurt by rebellion, says poll
Most voters believe Tony Blair’s authority has been damaged by his House of Commons defeat on anti-terror laws, according to a poll released today.
In the wake of the rebellion from 49 Labour MPs over plans for terror suspects to be held without charge for up to 90 days, 22 per cent of those questioned in the Guardian/ICM poll said Mr Blair’s authority over his government had been “greatly damaged”.
41 per cent said it had been “damaged somewhat”, making the final total of people who believed Blair’s authority was damaged a majority, at 63 per cent.
Only 31 per cent said the PM’s authority had not been damaged at all.
The poll comes amid concerns in the parliamentary Labour party about the likelihood of getting Blair’s controversial education, health and welfare reforms through Parliament.
55 per cent of those questioned in the poll said Blair should compromise to get his reforms through the Commons, while 40 per cent said he should stand by his proposals.
Almost a quarter of those polled (24 per cent) believe Mr Blair should step down as prime minister now, while 19 per cent say he should fight another election.
