WORRIED East Lancashire Labour MPs are declining to join a backbench rebellion tonight over plans to allow English universities to charge top up tuition fees-- despite their opposition to the policy.

Greg Pope, Peter Pike and Janet Anderson are refusing to vote with the opposition on a special Liberal Democrat vote on the issue, despite an appeal to follow their principles from local Tory colleague Nigel Evans.

Some Labour MPs are ready to vote with the opposition and many more to abstain in a special Liberal Democrat debate on the issue.

Government whips fear dozens of their MPs will fail to back the policy which could see students charged up to £3,000 a year from September 2006.

Hyndburn MP Mr Pope said: "It's an opposition day and I shall vote with the government. However I am sceptical about top up fee and have made my view clear to Ministers.''

Rossendale and Darwen MP Mrs Anderson said: "I shall be in the constituency with permission of the Whips.

"I do have a problem with top up fees and have told Mr Clarke this. I shall continue to press for a change of policy."

Burnley MP Mr Pike said: "I haven't made my mind up what to do yet.

"I might abstain but I will not vote against the government tonight but that might change if they bring legislation for top up fees forward. I have reservations about the policy and am pressing Ministers to change it."