Most MPs are expected to return to parliament today to pay their respects to the Queen Mother.

Some rebel Labour MPs have dismissed the recall as "mawkish" and have joined calls for a Commons debate and government statement on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

The prime minister will lead MPs in paying their respects.

Tony Blair will be then followed by the leader of the opposition, Iain Duncan Smith, and the Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy.

The Queen Mother's coffin was yesterday greeted by thousands as it was driven from Windsor to London in preparation for lying in state in the Palace of Westminster.

The row over BBC coverage of her death simmers on, with news presenter Peter Sissons - criticised for wearing a burgundy rather than black tie - hitting back at "lurid and malicious" media attacks on the corporation.

Buckingham Palace has denied press claims that Prince Charles snubbed the BBC in making his tribute with ITN.

The "voice of the Mirror" takes to the newspaper's front page lamenting the absence of queues outside the book of condolence at St James Palace, "Sorry Ma'am... that so many of us are showing you so little respect".