HUDDERSFIELD University has repeated its opposition to plans for variable top-up fees.

But it welcomed some of the changes made by the Government in a bid to head off Labour rebels.

Bosses at the university said they were not yet in a position to announce the level of fees they would set.

Spokesman Phil Williams said: "As a university which recruits students largely from the state school and further education sectors, it's fair to say that Huddersfield does not support variable tuition fees.

"We believe that by their very nature variable fees will disadvantage students from less affluent households."

However, Mr Williams welcomed the introduction of a maintenance grant of £1,500 for students from less well-off households.

He added: "Mounting debt could act as a disincentive, but at least the fee payments do not have to be found until students are earning over £15,000 a year.

"We are also pleased to see that the Government has given some attention to the needs of part-time students.

"We have a higher than average number of part-time students and welcome any initiative that provides them with additional support."

Education Secretary Charles Clarke has said there could be no more major changes to the Government's proposals.

He repeated his warning that MPs would now have to accept or reject the package as a whole.

Mr Clarke said: "There is always scope for refinement, but there is no scope for any fundamental change in the package."

Downing Street has denied suggestions the Prime Minister was seeking to distance himself from the flagship Bill.

Tony Blair's official spokesman said the Cabinet was united behind the plans.

"The Prime Minister's commitment to this piece of legislation is well known as he has demonstrated many, many times," he added.

"The Government and the Cabinet are united behind this policy."