Three senior female ministers are campaigning to prevent a return to late-night sittings in the Commons.

Tessa Jowell, Patricia Hewitt and Margaret Hodge are leading the defence against efforts by Jack Straw, John Prescott and more than 200 MPs to reverse last year's changes to Commons business hours.

They have written formal letters to Peter Hain, the leader of the House, to complain that late sittings would leave them "more tired" and unable to enjoy the "normal life" experienced by their constituents.