MINISTERS are increasingly confident of a smooth passage through the Commons for their plans for identity cards as Labour MPs adapt to the smaller government majority.
Some Labour backbenchers who voted against the ID cards Bill in the previous Parliament have indicated to government whips that they will abstain when it comes back for a second reading next week.
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Unless a significant number of the new intake of Labour MPs oppose the Bill on Tuesday, it should clear its first Commons hurdle comfortably. History suggests that few new MPs risk their career by rebelling so soon after being elected.
“We are confident of getting the Bill on the statute book,” a senior government source told The Times. Several MPs who voted against the Bill last time “have indicated they will abstain in an effort to get the Government to modify the legislation while not wanting to kill it”.
Mr Blair’s majority was cut to 67 at the election: if three dozen Labour MPs vote against the Government, ministers risk defeat.
Ministers are seeking to head off revolts by more intensive consultations with Labour MPs but want MPs themselves to respond with greater discipline once debates move to the floor of the Commons.
On Tuesday just two Labour MPs, Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, voted against the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill. Two more, Bob Marshall-Andrews and Bob Wareing, joined them to vote for an opposition amendment. Several more criticised the measure but either voted with the Government or abstained.