EAST Lancashire MPs, Gordon Prentice and Lindsay Hoyle, are to join the backbench rebellion over student top-up fees.

And a defeat on Tuesday night would be the first for the Government since Prime MInister Tony Blair came to power.

The Labour members will join Ribble Valley Tory Nigel Evans in opposing the controversial plan as the Premier faces 24 hours that could force him to quit.

On Wednesday, Lord Hutton also produces his report on the death of Iraqi weapons expert, Dr David Kelly.

If Mr Blair loses the university fees vote and is condemned by the law lord's investigation, it could spell the end of his leadership.

However, Blackburn MP Jack Straw and Burnley MP Peter Pike are firmly behind the Government on the issue, with Rossendale and Darwen's Janet Anderson and Hyndburn's Greg Pope now supporting the plan despite earlier misgivings.

Foreign Secretary Mr Straw said: "I simply hate the argument that we should pull up the drawbridge and cut off opportunities for so many who could benefit but presently do not.

"These proposals will get more youngsters from lower income homes to the starting line of university and that can only be delivered by the new scheme, not the old."

But his argument does not convince Pendle MP Mr Prentice, who said: "I shall be voting against the bill. It introduces a market into higher education which is neither fair nor efficient. I am opposed to variable tuition fees and I believe that the cap of £3,000 on annual fees will be broken.

"The best courses at the most prestigious universities will cost between £10,000 and £15,000 a year - and that will put off students from poorer backgrounds."

Mr Hoyle is also to vote against. He added: "I don't think variable tuition fees are right. I have grave misgivings about this policy and think it will deter students from poorer backgrounds from going to university and therefore I shall vote against it."

Mr Evans explained: "I shall vote against the Government. Why should people who benefited from free university education and grants now sitting in the Cabinet stop other people receiving the same? Higher tuition fees will lead to less young people from lower income families going to university."

Rossendale and Darwen MP, Mrs Anderson, told the Parliamentary Labour Party she had changed her mind after talking to young people in her constituency. She said they had told her they would now be able to go to university because the current up-front charge of £1,175 a year had gone and there would be maintenance grants for low income families.

And Hyndburn MP Mr Pope admitted: "I did have misgivings. The overriding concern is about the effect of the package on students from poorer backgrounds.

"I think the final package with the abolition of up-front fees, grants for the poorer students and no repayment until people earn £15,000 a year, will actually help such students. I also don't want to see Tony Blair forced out of office."

Burnley MP Mr Pike added: "I will be supporting the Government. The abolition of up-front fees and the grants for the poorer students is better than the current package and better than the original proposals.

"I think it will actually encourage more students from lower incomes to go to university."