The government is facing what the Independent is calling "the biggest backbench revolt since 1997" over its reluctance to assist up to 60,000 workers left with a fraction of their pensions after their companies failed.

Kevin Brennan, the Labour MP for Cardiff West, who has been leading a "quiet rebellion" in the Commons, has tabled a motion calling for workers who have lost their pension to be compensated.

A total of 291 MPs have signed the motion, 203 of them Labour.