News that the Ulster Unionists will vote against top-up fees next Tuesday has sparked fresh speculation that ministers could lose the knife-edge vote.

According to the FT, some 85 Labour MPs remain "dug in" against the government.

They say international evidence shows that top-up fees have not helped the poor gain access to university.

Whips need to reduce the rebel roll call to below 81 to avoid a possible defeat on the higher education reforms.

David Blunkett tells today's Times that ministers still need to win over more rebels.

"We have to convince our own troops," he said. "It is absolutely clear that we are still not there."

The Express reports that the chancellor's job could be on the line unless he persuades his backbench supporters to back the government on Tuesday.

Meanwhile data released yesterday has revealed that the number of international students studying in Britain has jumped by 23 per cent in just one year.