The size of the majorities in the abortion votes has taken some by surprise,even some allegations of an unofficial Labour whip from some quarters.
The 22 week amendment lost by 304 to 233, the 20 week one 332 to 190, 16 weeks by 387to 84 and 12 weeks by 393 to 71.
Iain Dale in particular thinks that there are deeper motives the defeat and thinks that the matter is not over yet.Indeed a new intake of MP's in 2010 of which the mayority may well be Tory could change the issue.
You can see who votedfor what HERE
The comments of James Forsyth over at Coffee House perhaps some up the feelings of many
It is tragic that the attempt to reduce the limit from 24 weeks failed. One does not have to believe that life begins at conception to think that aborting a foetus after six months when the mother’s health is not in danger and there is no risk of a serious handicap is wrong. Even if only a small number of foetuses are viable at 24 weeks, then we should not accept them being aborted except in the most limited circumstances..
That several thousand people in this country have had four or more abortions says that, as a society, we have become far too contemptuous of the human essence of the unborn. Let us hope that the public discussion that the debate in Parliament has sparked marks the beginning of a turning point in society’s attitude
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