London - The threat of a parliamentary revolt against British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was lifted Wednesday following government concessions over controversial tax plans.

Rebel members of parliament (MPs) withdrew a motion to challenge the government over the abolition of the bottom rate of income tax after a promise that the 5 million people disadvantaged by the move would be compensated.

Some 40 Labour "rebels" had signed a petition saying they would oppose the government in next Monday's vote.

For them, the issue had become one of principle, as it undermined the core Labour message that the party had to fend for the poorest in society, members of the rebel group said.

However, it became clear during the heated exchanges of the past week that, while tax was the immediate issue, the unrest among Labour ranks is also linked to poor poll ratings for Brown only 10 months after he took over as leader. (dpa)