Up to 20 Conservative MPs are considering breaking ranks with David Cameron by backing press laws in a showdown vote in the Commons on Monday, sources said today.
Leaders of the rebels were today urging the Prime Minister to strike an 11th hour deal with Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg.
A weekend of haggling was kicked off by the publication of a string of amendments for debate on Monday, which the Prime Minister set as a deadline to resolve the long-running arguments over how Fleet Street should be regulated.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller warned today that giving powers to MPs would open the door to “state licensing of the press”. Mr Cameron is calling for a Royal Charter to underpin an independent regulator with powers to impose £1 million fines and insist on front page corrections.
Labour and the Liberal Democrat were setting out rival plans for a similar framework but underpinned by legislation and votes in Parliament.
George Eustice, leader of the Conservative MPs who have argued for stronger press curbs after the hacking and bribery scandals, said MPs were keen for a deal between all three leaders.
Mr Cameron dramatically halted cross-party talks on the way forward, accusing Labour of derailing major government Bills to push him into a corner.
But his allies admit there is a “strong chance” that he will be defeated.
