Downing Street is making out that it is on a knife edge tonight. In reality they have got it in the bag and are trying to set the ground for the “Gordon Wins” stories for which the Brownies think it is well worth tearing up the Magna Carta.

Congratulations are due to the honourable member for Glasgow central, Mohammed Sarwar, who has secured, as the price for his voting for 42 days detention, assurances that he can pass his seat down to his son. It seems the Labour Party was only against hereditary peers, but are more than happy with family seats for MPs..

UPDATE : Punters on Betfair reckon the bill has a 90% chance of passing.