GWENT MPs have backed giving themselves a 1.9 percent pay rise to keep them in line with other public sector workers.

MPs rejected, without a vote, an inflation-busting 2.6 percent rise that would have embarrassed the Government.

They also endorsed a review that in future would mean their salaries would be increased without themselves making the decision.

Don Touhig, MP for Islwyn, said: "The government has a public sector pay policy which is seeking to keep pay increases below 2 percent and that has my support."

Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East, said that a higher rise would not have been "appropriate in the current climate".

Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West, said had there been a vote he would not have voted.

"I don't believe MPs should have a vote to decide their salaries," he said.

Blaenau Gwent Independent MP Dai Davies said that he would have voted for MPs to have had no pay rise.

The MPs have voted to increase their salary from £60,277 to £61,820.