Flashpoints on the road ahead

Last updated at 08:26 10 November 2005


PM Tony Blair faces an uphill struggle to reassert his authority over rebel MPs threatening blows against his third-term programme. Here we look at the flashpoints ahead:

Education

Every secondary will become an independent 'trust' school with more say over admissions and curriculums. Trust schools will be free to get backing from businesses, charities and faiths, and parents will begiven more rights.

Labour MPs, backed by John Prescott, have warned that the plans threaten the whole comprehensive education ethos. They fear the best schools will cherry-pick the brightest pupils. Big rebellions are expected when a bill is published early next year.

Welfare

Incapacity benefit will be cut from £76 to £56 a week. Payments will be means-tested and topped up with vouchers for training courses.

Labour MPs are enraged. Even formed Works and Pensions Secretary David Blunkett - not usually an ally of left-wing MPs - was fighting the proposals. Backbenchers have pledged to vote against the legislation, expected next year, if it cuts benefits for the sick and disabled.

Health

Dramatic expansion in the number of private sector procviders in NHS, plus competition between hospitals to drive up standards. Supermarkets may soon be allowed to offer GP services.

Backbenchers say the proposals strike at the very heart of the NHS. They fear that the poor and elderly will lose out as competition increases and that private firms are monopolising the cheap and easy operations. Unions are also threatening a backlash.

Trident

Tony Blair has said a decision on the future of Britain's independent nuclear deterrent myst be taken before the next election. Labour pledged in its manifesto to maintain a minimum nuclear force. Replacing Trident could cost up to £20bn.

Backbenchers say the plans would be a scandalous waste of money and do nothing to deter terrorists. Ministers have refused to promise a Commons vote. Mr Blair may need the Tories to get the proposals through.

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