MPs returned to the Commons on Monday following a summer of crisis for the government.

The prime minister will be hoping to put the Iraq affair and the death of David Kelly to one side as he seeks to relaunch his domestic reform agenda.

But today's session in the Commons is set include a statement on Iraq from foreign secretary Jack Straw - underlining the fact that the government will find it difficult to shift the focus away from international issues.

Geoff Hoon also made a written announcement that 1,000 additional troops are to be deployed to Iraq.

The on-going speculation about the future of the defence secretary will also lead to the charge that a "lame duck" minister is in control of a vital department at a time of global tension.

And the failure to uncover any evidence of an Iraqi weapons of mass destruction will fuel tensions between Labour backbenchers and the government's high command.

But whilst the prime minister is hoping he can return to bread and butter issues, ministers are also returning to Westminster acutely aware of a series of potential rebellions closer to home.

Legislation to establish foundation hospitals - which resulted in a revolt before the recess - is debated in the House of Lords this week.

Despite moves to rename the arms-length hospitals, health secretary John Reid will still struggle to secure safe passage of his flagship bill.

Already watered down, the legislation now runs the risk of alienating both its supporters and its critics.

And Labour MPs are preparing for a showdown over controversial plans to introduce top-up fees across the higher education system.

Education ministers are said to be preparing for a round of meetings with Labour doubters in a bid to head off a revolt.

So whilst the prime minister may be hoping to put the Iraq crisis behind him, he may find the domestic battleground equally difficult terrain over the coming fortnight.