MPs are set to debate the motion of no confidence in Premier Ewart Brown tomorrow.

Speaker Stanley Lowe has given permission for the United Bermuda Party's motion to proceed, Opposition House Leader Cole Simons revealed last night.

Despite reports that Progressive Labour Party backbenchers are reluctant to support the move, Mr. Simons said the UBP was "cautiously optimistic" it could attract enough votes from rebel MPs to pass the motion.

He added that the party could seek a secret ballot to encourage disgruntled Government politicians to vote against the Premier.

"After discussions with the Speaker, I can confirm that we are scheduled to proceed, and debate this motion this coming Friday, and the Government Whip, Ms Lovitta Foggo has been officially advised," said Mr. Simons.

The UBP has insisted it is merely seeking a change of leadership in Government.

However, PLP backbenchers who have previously spoken out against the Premier have voiced concern at the wording of the motion: "The House has no confidence in the Government led by Dr. Brown."

Disaffected PLP MP Ashfield DeVent told the Bermuda Sun he will not support a motion that has any chance of removing the PLP, while former Premier Alex Scott said there was confusion over the wording among backbenchers.

Assuming everyone votes, the UBP needs support from five PLP MPs or Independent MP Wayne Furbert, although that dynamic would change in the UBP's favour if PLP politicians abstained.

Mr. Simons said last night: "On the matter of the motion, please note that we are cautiously optimistic. Given what has transpired as a result of the 'Gitmo Four' activities, and the heightened anxiety level which is pervasive within our community, and within the international arena, UK, US and China, our elected representatives, including Cabinet, must reconcile themselves to the fact that the Premier's behaviour is totally unacceptable.

"Bermuda deserves a well respected leader who is admired locally, and on the international stage. A leader who is honest, and law abiding. A leader who is measured in his decision making, especially decisions made on behalf of the Government, and people of Bermuda.

"Our Premier must be cognisant of the consequences of his or her decisions, and actions.

"Especially how they impact Bermuda, and our international partners."

Mr. Simons said a secret ballot was used in 1993 when Ernest DeCouto was elected to the floor, but that it is a grey area because the House of Assembly rule book is silent on the matter.

He added: "As far as I am concerned, the secret ballot will draw votes from the PLP disaffected, Ministers or backbenchers who are not happy with the Premier's leadership style, but who are not willing to publicly demonstrate their dissatisfaction or discontent.

"As far as I am concerned, we all must stand up and be counted. We must stand on principle, and demonstrate that we have the fortitude to make difficult decisions for the betterment of Bermuda.

"Our leaders must ensure that our Premiers are people of integrity, and support best practices when it comes to leadership, and implementing democratic principles. If we treat our people with disrespect and disdain, our Country will be destabilised."

Elected Cabinet Ministers have refused to comment over the motion of no confidence since the Premier has said he brought four Uighurs to Bermuda from Guantánamo Bay without consulting them, the Governor or the UK.

Dr. Brown has said he believed the issue was one of immigration, and therefore one Government had the power to deal with. However, the Governor says that is not the case, that it is a foreign affairs matter, which means the UK has sole responsibility.