As none of these amendments was put through, Mr Blunkett told the House that the Bill would ensure "equality of opportunity" where it previously had been denied.

He told the House that, combined with the School Standards and Framework Bill, currently before the Lords, it would raise standards and provide a skilled and educated workforce, "ready to compete in a globalised market."

David Willets, Shadow Education Secretary

Despite criticism that failing to allow amendments to plans for the General Teaching Council was a missed opportunity to recognise teachers' value, Mr Blunkett insisted that it would provide teachers with professional pride.

"We want to build consensus, provide for some continuity and give opportunities where they did not exist before," he said.

Further measures

The Bill covers a wide range of issues. These include a mandatory headteacher qualification and plans to ensure that teenage employees are allowed time off work to study.

The Education Minister Kim Howells also outlined a new clause in the Bill which, backed by all sides, would clear up confusion over institutions names. The new Bill will prevent further education institutions from using the word "university" in their title when they were not entitled to.

Phil Willis was dismissive of the Bill

Reaction The Shadow Education Secretary, David Willetts, claimed students had been "double-crossed" by the government. He said the NUS had backed the government at the last election on the basis that maintenance grants would go, but that tuition fees would not be introduced.

He added the Bill would not provide a long-term solution for deep-seated financial problems in higher education.

One Labour backbencher said he was "unrepentant" at having rebelled against the government on Monday night. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow) urged ministers to ensure it would be clear to students that their fees were being spent on improvements to their places of learning.

The Liberal Democrat spokesman, Phil Willis, said the fees issue was a "tax on learning". He particularly criticised the way the government had put the Bill through parliament:

"Part Two of the Bill has been bulldozed through the House with an arrogant disregard for debate on principled objections," he said.