IN this column yesterday, we noted the further erosion of Gordon Brown’s authority as he was forced to backtrack over proposed changes to MPs’ expenses.

That authority has now been further undermined by yesterday’s historic defeat in the Commons over Government restrictions on the right of former Gurkhas to settle in this country.

We should not underestimate the significance of yesterday’s vote, which saw the Government defeated by 267 to 246 in favour of a Lib Dem motion, backed by the Conservatives, that all Ghurkas be offered equal rights of residence.

It is the biggest Commons victory by the Liberal Democrats since their formation 20 years ago and the first time a government has lost an opposition day debate since 1978.

But what is most important is the recognition by Parliament that it had to do the decent thing.

At a time when public trust in politicians is at such a low ebb, it is a timely reminder that the democratic process is alive and kicking.

Debts of honour mean a great deal to the British people, and this country undoubtedly has a debt of honour to generations of Ghurkas who have fought so bravely in our interests.

It could not be right to expect Ghurkas to lay their lives on their line for Britain, only for Britain to turn its back on them.

It again comes down to a question of being able to judge the public mood.

This was a fight Gordon Brown and his government did not need to have – and a fight he has now lost in a most humiliating way.