CALLS for gay men to be allowed to give blood has prompted the largest rebellion in Nottingham City Council's ruling Labour Group for 15 years.

A motion debated by the full council called on it to write to the National Blood Service asking it to scrap its "discriminatory and outdated policy towards gay and bisexual men".

The NHS National Blood Service does not allow "men who have ever had sex with men" to give blood because, it claims, there is a greater risk of infections being passed to patients who need the blood.

Campaigners argue the lifetime ban is unnecessary and that accepting donations from gay men who are HIV negative or from those who have had protected sex, would boost vital blood supplies.

But a motion debated by the council divided Labour members. The group's leadership did not want to back the motion put forward by the Liberal Democrats. Behind the scenes there were sharp exchanges between Labour councillors.

One told the Post: "Several members wanted us to just vote for the motion, but were bounced into having an amendment. It ended in rebellion."

In the vote, three members of the council's executive, Councillors David Mellen, Jane Urquhart, and David Liversidge, along with a clutch of backbenchers, all abstained.

Councillor Mellen spoke in favour of the main motion.

But Labour's portfolio holder for adult care, Councillor Eunice Campbell, and Councillor Emma Dewinton, moved an amendment removing the passage about discrimination, and sat down without applause.

Councillor Campbell argued that a review of the criteria governing blood donation had begun under the previous Labour government and the council should consult with local MPs when the result of that work was published.

She told the Post: "We're not saying there's not discrimination against gay and bisexual people, and I am saying there is a review and we should wait."

Ms Campbell said she would wait for scientific opinion before deciding whether the blood donation ban was discriminatory.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat councillor Alex Foster, who moved the motion claiming discrimination, was cheered by Labour members.

Mr Foster, who is gay, said he was "disappointed" that Labour failed to support his motion, and he was surprised the group had split.

"The Labour group in Nottingham is almost Stalinist in the way they observe their whip," he said.

"Labour councillors always vote together, en bloc. They discuss things privately in group, decide on a common line, and then stick to it rigidly.

"At least five Labour councillors sat on their hands, and looked uncomfortable."

They included three frontbenchers and a civic councillor, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Penny Griggs.

Councillor Andrew Price, leader of the Conservative group, said: "This is important. Block discrimination against homosexuals is outdated and wrong and Councillor Foster was saying this needs to be sorted out.

"The Labour councillors who rebelled thought the group position was completely unnecessary."