Mr Blair's Conservative opposition are also supporting him but he has suffered ministerial resignations and a backbench revolt among his own Labour Party.

ECONOMIST: Those awkward hearts and minds

Some are viewing the meeting as a sign that ministers may be prepared to make concessions on the Pensions Bill to avoid a potentially damaging backbench revolt.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | Blair in pension crisis talks

But under pressure from the public and facing something of a backbench revolt on the issue, now the government has gone further and announced a temporary suspension on all live exports to Indonesia.

BBC: Did animal cruelty report lead to an over-reaction?

Since Labour's backbench revolt over last autumn's cuts in lone-parent benefits, the government has shown a propensity to hand out more money, helped by its bulging coffers amid an economic boom: more for families, pensioners, disabled people and child care.

ECONOMIST: From Beveridge to Blair