GWENT'S university top-up fee rebels could help inflict a damaging blow to the Prime Minister in today's Commons vote.

Tony Blair has staked his authority as leader on a vote that comes just before Lord Hutton's report into the death of government weapons expert David Kelly is published.

One former rebel who will now vote with the government after concessions to the Bill is Monmouth's Huw Edwards.

Mr Edwards said: "It is not a question of rebels being persuaded by the government but rather us persuading the government to make concessions.

"We've won a cap on the highest level of fees at £3,000 for at least five years.

"In practice this means almost all universities will charge the top rate, meaning there won't really be variable fees, which was our biggest concern."

But both Blaenau Gwent's Llew Smith and Newport West's Paul Flynn have said that they still intend to vote against the Bill.

Llew Smith said: "They say we cannot afford to fund higher education and yet we can afford £7 billion for the war in Iraq and billions more on weapons.

"The whole community benefit from university educated professionals like teachers and doctors and so the whole community should pay through tax according to earnings."

Mr Flynn said: "I am not rebelling, I am abiding by our election manifesto which explicitly said that we would not introduce top-up fees.

"I am not voting against the Government to weaken the leadership but because I want a fair and decent education system."

However, the pair will not be joined by Caerphilly's Wayne David who said: "I think this is an excellent package that will provide the money the universities need and provide support for poorer students."

Newport East's Alan Howarth was also behind the government, saying: "I am confident that this bill will go through. It's fair to students, taxpayers and universities."

Northern Ireland Secretary and Torfaen MP Paul Murphy's spokesman said: "The Secretary of State is right behind the Prime Minister and is a vociferous supporter of this Bill."

A spokesman for Wales under secretary and Islywn MP Don Touhig said: "As a minister he will be voting with the government."