REBEL Labour MPs opposed to university top-up fees have pledged to fight on after Tony Blair scraped though a knife-edge Commons vote.

Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood warned the Government's plans were still a long way from becoming law.

He said: "The narrow victory in the Commons is not the final word on the matter. This was the first hurdle, not the last.

"The Bill must get through committee stage, third reading and then the House of Lords.

"There are many points on its Parliamentary journey where the bill is open to amendment."

Mr Wood was among 72 Labour rebels voting against the Government in the biggest backbench revolt faced by Prime Minister Tony Blair on a domestic issue.

Mr Wood said today: "Resisting top-up fees was one of the many promises I made when I was elected and I intend to keep it."

The Prime Minister snatched victory in the second reading of the Higher Education Bill by a majority of just five.

Shadow education secretary Tim Yeo argued that the size of last night's Labour rebellion dealt a "devastating blow" to Mr Blair's credibility and authority.

But Education Secretary Charles Clarke pronounced himself well satisfied with the result.

"We have got an outcome which allows us to go forward with our legislative programme. I am absolutely delighted," he said.

Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman, who is education select committee chairman, backed the Bill.

But he added:

"The Government is wrong if they believe that there's not going to be a greater call on the taxpayer over the coming years to really invest in the higher education system."

Labour MP for Calder Valley, Chris McCafferty, voted against the proposals.

Wakefield MP David Hinchliffe abstained while Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford backed the Government.