The government has seen off a Commons revolt over plans to introduce a system of variable student top-up fees.

Ministers won the day despite facing tough criticism from a coalition of Labour rebels, Conservatives and Lib Dems.

The Commons voted by 316 to 288, a majority of 28, to defeat a rebel amendment - which had the backing of the Tories and the Liberal Democrats.

Speaking in the Commons, Dr Ian Gibson, a leading rebel and architect of the wrecking amendment, said the government's policy would "tie students'" choice of degree "to price".

"The choice of those with the greatest aversion to debt and those who are likely to feel this burden most, that is from the lower income backgrounds, will be affected most," he told MPs.