Vote on call to dissolve Parliament

The motion has been tabled by the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru, and the nationalists are expected to enjoy the support of Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs.

But Gordon Brown is expected comfortably to see off the threat, having already quelled a coup attempt among his own backbenchers earlier this week.

With many Labour MPs fearing that their seats are at greater risk if they go to the polls now rather than waiting for the expected general election date in spring 2010, even the most restive backbenchers are unlikely to back the nationalist motion.

The SNP's leader at Westminster, Angus Robertson, called on Mr Brown to come before the Commons and respond in person to the opposition day debate called by the nationalist parties.

Mr Robertson said: "Gordon Brown's Government has lost all authority to govern and he needs to come to Parliament and respond to this debate.

"The expenses scandal has discredited Parliament, while Labour's European election results show Gordon Brown's Government is without authority or credibility.

"We need a general election so that we can restore trust and confidence in Parliament and politicians, and let people have their say.

"The recent reshuffle shows Gordon Brown has lost his grip on his own Government. But he does still have the power to request the dissolution of Parliament, and he should use it. There can be no argument against the entire House of Commons submitting itself to a vote of the people who elected them.

"This political crisis was created by politicians, and the SNP and Plaid Cymru are giving Parliament the chance to give the people their say. The time has come to allow people to have their say, and what better way to have a debate than hold a general election?"