The British government is asking MPs to give up the 1% pay rise that has been recommended for them next year, according to the BBC.

Commons leader Sir George Young said that MPs would be asked to reject the rise "in the light of" the imposition of a two year pay freeze for public sector workers earning more than £21,000.

The 1% rise for MPs in 2011-2012 was approved by the independent Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB).

One Tory MP said it was "foolish" for ministers to intervene on the issue.

MPs are currently paid a salary of £65,738 after receiving a 1.5% rise last year - a particularly controversial move as it came in the aftermath of the scandal over parliamentary expenses.

Sir George said he would ask MPs to block this year's increase - by putting forward a resolution in the House of Commons within the next few weeks.

Since MPs gave up responsibility for setting their own pay in 2008, recommended pay rises take effect automatically.

The rate of increase is linked to the median pay rise received by a range of different public sector workers and must be approved by the SSRB. However it has insisted it has no "discretion" over the figure as it is determined through a set formula.

Asked about the issue in the Commons, Sir George said he continued to support independent assessment of MPs' salaries but the government had a "clear position" on public sector pay and MPs should not be a special case.

The coalition announced a two-year pay freeze for workers earning more than £21,000 in June's Budget. The move will affect 1.7 million workers when it comes into force in April.

"MPs earn substantially more than £21,000," Sir George said. "I believe that the House will want to reflect very carefully before taking a 1% pay increase against a background of the restraint that many other people earning much less money than we are are having to face over the next two years."

"I hope the House comes to a collective view and agrees it would be right for MPs to exercise restraint for the time being."