Q. Who are the biggest election losers so far? A. Foxes and security workers

Result one: legislation to outlaw hunting with hounds was quickly shelved. Bad news for the foxes. Result two: laws to force security specialists of all kinds to carry a licence, was just as speedily rushed through the House of Commons. Bad news for some IT contractors.

But while some of our countryside inhabitants won't see the other side of the summer, MP approval of the Private Security Industry Bill is not necessarily the end of the road for the security industry.

Indeed Home Office Minister Charles Clarke admitted as much when he told the House: "It is our fundamental principle to ensure the Bill is targeted at those... who we want to regulate, and that we do not inadvertently catch groups that are not relevant to our policy aims."

The CBI and CSSA clearly believe IT workers fall into the second category and will have another chance to argue their case when the DTI holds its promised consultation. And argue their case, they should.

The Professional Contractors Group (PCG) emerged as one of the most potent lobbying groups of the last Parliament when it took on the government over IR35. While it did not always win its battles its plan of attack offers significant hope for those willing to fight this newer cause; namely, the arguments will continue - and can be won - long after ideas become law.

And if the PCG - which has been strangely quiet on this particular issue - decides to join forces with the CBI and the CSSA, you can bet there will be few people in the DTI looking forward to those consultation meetings.

It may even be worth losing an election to avoid.