The best laid plans of mice and men

So Gordon did it. Just.

By the slimmest of margins the Government passed their flagship new anti-terrrorist legislation - thanks to nine votes from the Democratic Unionists.

Through the miracle that is a Blackberry (only kidding!) I saw the headline that the vote was done and later on sat down to see what the fallout would be on the Ten O'clock News.

But I didn't. Because some civil servant had left a top secret document on the train detailing what we know about Al-Qaeda.

Yesterday was a good lesson in the limitations of spin. I'm sure Number Ten, The Home Office and the rest had rehearsed to the syllable their arguments on how this was a victory for security, democracy and the British way of life.

Except they didn't really need to. I'm not suggesting for a moment the forgetful Whitehall mandarin just happened to mislay these documents at such a convenient time.

In effect, it was a lucky break.

It meant that at the crucial moment our gaze was on the Government's appalling record on data protection, which is almost routine following recent scandals involving taxpayers and learner drivers.

To no doubt large relief in the Westminster corridors of power, it deflected attention from an incredibly important vote in Parliament, which under closer scrutiny might appear to be won more on 'quid pro quo' then on higher moral principles.

But beware Gordy - the cards might not flop your way next time...

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