Edinburgh University last night came under increasing pressure to strip Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's ruler, of his honorary doctorate after local MP Nigel Griffiths tabled a parliamentary motion calling on it to withdraw the degree.

In his motion, Mr Griffiths, a close ally of Chancellor Gordon Brown, who was rector at Edinburgh University, says: "This House notes with dismay the dictatorial practices of President Robert Mugabe which have reduced the people of Zimbabwe to poverty and a state of terror," and adds: "The university should swiftly withdraw this degree in the light of the recent oppressive and brutal regime over which he is presiding." By yesterday evening, only four MPs, two Labour two Liberal Democrat, were listed as supporting the motion, although this number is likely to rise considerably.

Mark Ballard, the college's rector, supported the sentiment, pointing out how present and past students at Edinburgh had voted for the African leader to be stripped of his honour because of what its retention was doing to the reputation of the university.

"The university's position is becoming increasingly untenable and he should indeed be stripped of the degree," said Mr Ballard.

A spokesman for the Edinburgh college responded: "The university is acutely aware of ongoing developments in Zimbabwe and the issue of Robert Mugabe's honorary degree remains under active review."

The African leader received his honour for services to education on the continent in 1984, in the aftermath of independence for the former British colony of Rhodesia.