The Parliamentary Reaction 

"After the largest rebellion in our Parliament it may seem somewhat bizarre to talk of a triumph for Tony Blair over Iraq.  He has, however, displayed great powers of leadership; he is a conviction politician driven by a profound moral view of his actions. Already in response to that leadership the opinion polls are beginning to move in his favour - the latest in Wednesday's Daily Telegraph puts 50% of our people supporting military action against Iraq and 42% opposing it.  I have been happily surprised at the lack of bitterness in the Parliamentary Labour Party.  Tony Blair towers above his contemporaries and has earned great respect - but formidable problems of war and peace lie ahead which will further test his qualities".

Rt Hon Donald Anderson, MP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.  19 March 2003.