Charles Clarke

Not since the dying days of John Major's regime has such intense uncertainty attended a government in parliament.

No-one had dared confidently to predict victory or defeat on such a key piece of legislation as the plans to charge university students variable tuition fees.

In the end, after a day of arm-twisting, of promises and of intrigue, a majority of over a hundred and sixty had been slashed to a mere five.

Jeremy Paxman spoke to the Education Secretary Charles Clarke and asked if he had known that the Government was going to win the vote.