London  -  Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown was Tuesday facing a growing rebellion from Labour Party parliamentarians over controversial tax plans.

The camp of so-called Labour rebels said Tuesday that up to 40 members had signed a motion demanding immediate compensation for about 5 million low-earning taxpayers affected by tax hikes following the abolition of the bottom rate of income tax.

Labour parliamentarians say that a minimum of 36 of its members voting for a rebel amendment, along with the opposition parties, would be enough to defeat the government in a crucial vote next Monday.

However, it has become clear in recent days that the concerns highlighted by some Labour members of parliament (MPs) go beyond the tax issue, and that members are equally angry about government plans to raise the minimum period for which terrorism suspects can be held without charge or trial from 28 to 42 days.

More generally, there is dissatisfaction among Labour ranks about Brown's leadership style, with many MPs and commentators criticizing his alleged "indecisiveness" and lack of vision.

A meeting between Brown and Labour's parliamentary late Monday had failed to quell the rebellion, reports said Tuesday.

The Labour Party has an overall majority of 67 seats in parliament. The tension comes only days before a crucial mayoral election in London and local elections in Wales and large parts of England on May 1. (dpa)