100 MPs ready to rebel over top-up fees

More than 100 Labour MPs are determined to defy Tony Blair and vote against university top-up fees.

Rebels were adamant yesterday that unless the Government drops controversial proposals to allow universities to introduce variable fees they will vote against the bill and defeat Tony Blair in the Commons for the first time since he became prime minister.

Labour backbenchers are furious that the Higher Education Bill, published today will not include a clear limit on the amount that universities can charge. Paul Farrelly, Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, warned: "If the maximum £3,000 is not on the face of the bill, it will be difficult for the Government to give firm reassurances that primary legislation would be needed to change it. That can only fuel speculation that this is really half way towards a full-blown market.