As for what this defeat means for Blair, a pundit on the telly said it better than me: If he couldn't pass this Bill, when he staked his own power on it, what are the chances of passing the rest of the Bills on the Health Service, Immigration reform etc next year (all part of his "legacy agenda")?

He has been seen to be vulnerable, and no doubt the jackals will again grab a bite. He is a lame duck now - but it may take him more than 12 months to realise or acknowledge that.