Brown offers talks with back-benchers

GORDON Brown has offered to meet disgruntled back-benchers in an attempt to head off unrest among Labour MPs.

The Prime Minister made the offer of private meetings with those worried about the government's growing unpopularity in a letter sent to every back-bencher.

In the letter he admitted the party faces "a difficult few months" because of "genuine and understandable anxiety" among the voters.

He went on: "As ever, I am interested to hear from people directly on any issues raised by constituents over the summer period – people's concerns, struggles, their hopes and aspirations.

"Over the months that follow I will continue discussions with groups of MPs about these issues."

The letter came as a MORI poll revealed 43 per cent of Labour voters were dissatisfied the Prime Minister.

In the letter Mr Brown appeared to insist he would not quit, saying: "I am determined to take all necessary measures to guide Britain through this period of global turbulence."