The government's majority was halved last night as Labour backbenchers rebelled in a vote on the anti-terrorist bill.

After a day of debate the government won by 309 votes to 233, a majority of 76.

The rebellion, of more than 30, would have been even larger if Charles Clarke had not promised to look again at judicial involvement in the issuing of control orders, including house arrest, for terrorist suspects.

Even with compromise, peers are sure to give the government an even harder time when the bill moves to the Lords.