Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, is urging MPs to leave decisions on their allowances to others.

At a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party last night he said the issue was "radioactive".

Now he has tabled amendments to the motions which will come up on Thursday, urging the Commons to leave all decisions to the independent Committee on Standards in Public Life and to accept, without amendment, any recommendations the Committee comes up with.

Speaking from Westminster earlier today, the MP said: "Once and for all, we need to give up any say on our own pay and allowances."

"The motions tabled by the Government for Thursday’s debate do not help one iota in resolving the issues."

Note to Editors: The amendment reads:

MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES

Harriet Harman

(1) That this House welcomes the Prime Minister’s decision of 23 March 2009 to invite the Committee on Standards in Public Life to inquire into members’ allowances

Delete (2) (3) and (4)

And add

(2) That no decision be taken on Members’ Allowances until the Committee on Standards in Public Life has reported on the matter.

(3) That the recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life on Members’ Allowances be accepted without amendment.

Gordon Prentice

David Taylor