Des Turner was at the forefront of a fresh assault on government plans to charge students top-up fees of up to £3,000 a year.

The Brighton Kemptown MP and five fellow rebels have tabled an amendment to the the Higher Education Bill, which returns to the Commons on Wednesday.

The last time the legislation was debated in January it was passed with a majority of only five - the smallest of Tony Blair's Premiership.

Dr Turner is determined to defeat the Bill at the second attempt and has written to every Labour MP urging them to back the revolt.

The letter states that, if the amendment is passed, the "status quo would prevail" and all universities would continue to charge the same fee.

Allowing leading universities to charge more than less prestigious rivals is the big concern of Labour backbenchers.

Ministers would have the option of increasing the flat-rate fee from the current level of £1,125.

Crucially, the amendment would not affect the restoration of student fees or the change to paying fees after graduation, rather than upfront.

It would also leave in place the new regulator, the Office of Fair Access, which will be charged with making sure universities do not disadvantage youngsters from poorer backgrounds.

The amendment, which has to be picked out by the Speaker, will be taken at the Bill's report stage.