Ahead of a tough week Tony Blair has claimed he will "survive" the vote on top-up fees.

The comments came during a special edition of the Newsnight programme where the prime minister was quizzed on his controversial policy.

He also addressed a 70-minute meeting of the parliamentary Labour Party in which he warned his backbenchers that a defeat could pave the way for a Tory government to introduce a less fair system.

"In our second term we will be judged by the country on our response to serious challenges like this," he told the meeting.

"The challenge is whether we, as a progressive centre-left party, can meet the challenges in a way that is fair or whether we fail to meet the challenges and Conservatives come back with a package that does not help the poorer students."

However, the FT today suggests that Blair has become less bullish, conceding that it will be "difficult" to win the vote.

In a report published today the OECD says the government's plans for top-up fees are "commendable" and "essential".

The study comes as Charles Clarke announced new plans to give up-front assistance to children from poorer backgrounds.

Meanwhile a study from the Association of Graduate Recruiters has found that 53 per cent of employers believe the UK already produces too many graduates.