The government is today hoping to head off a second Commons revolt over the issue of student top-up fees.

As MPs debate the plans to levy variable fees of up to £3,000 for a final time, a coalition of Labour rebels, Conservatives and Lib Dems will challenge the plans.

Education secretary Charles Clarke met with backbenchers at a special meeting of Labour MPs yesterday to state the government's case.

"This bill represents a once-in-a-generation chance to put universities on a firm financial footing, get rid of unfair upfront fees so that university is free once again for students and their parents while they are studying, create a fairer repayment system for all graduates and restore grants to the poorest students at £2,700 per year," he said.