Nick Clegg's difficulties over Europe show no signs of abating. Despite his call earlier today for a referendum on the controversial Lisbon treaty, the Liberal Democrat leader is facing a damaging split within his own ranks.
As many as 15 Lib Dem MPs - three of whom are frontbenchers - are said to be giving serious consideration to supporting a rebel Labour or Tory amendment aimed at scuppering the bill that would enshrine the treaty in UK law.
Aware of Clegg's earlier decree that Lib Dems who could not support party policy would have to stand down from the frontbench, the rebels are hoping for safety in numbers.
