Brown backs tough action over peers

The Prime Minister also endorsed suggestions of "emergency sanctions" against the four Labour peers in the cash-for-influence row if allegations are proved.

Mr Brown's intervention came after the leader of the Upper House, Baroness Royall, stressed her determination to beef up punishments.

Under current sleaze rules in the Lords, the worst than can happen to a member is being ordered to apologise.

But Lady Royall insisted that in future the worst offenders should face expulsion from the House. In an article for The Guardian, she said peers could not be allowed to "earn a living (which) warps their work as parliamentarians".

Speaking at Prime Minister's Question's, Mr Brown praised Lady Royall for taking "immediate action to deal with the problem" by launching two urgent inquiries.

The standards sub-committee is examining the specific allegations raised by the Sunday Times against Lord Taylor of Blackburn, Lord Truscott, Lord Moonie and Lord Snape - which they all deny. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Privileges Committee, Lord Brabazon is examining the wider misconduct rules.

"All of us are deeply concerned. These are serious allegations that have got to be dealt with," Mr Brown told MPs. "Lady Royall has said this morning that if current allegations are proven we need as well to consider emergency sanctions," Mr Brown added.

"Those are the steps we have taken, I hope it is true of all parties in the House that we wish to root out any mistakes that were made and ensure they do not happen again."

Both David Cameron and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg have thrown their weight behind calls for peers who commit the most serious offences to be expelled.