Treaty of Lisbon (No. 6)

The implementation of the treaty could be an opportunity, but it is not the only opportunity, as I shall explain. The hon. Gentleman's intervention gives me the opportunity to say that I have been truly shocked by the menacing bullying tactics used by the Government Whips Office to cajole and intimidate their Back Benchers into the pro-Government Lobby. Some particularly appalling reports have been carried in the excellent newspaper, The Birmingham Post, which this week celebrates its 150th anniversary as Birmingham's leading newspaper.