whilst i'm not in any way- making light of the allegation. i think if there is specific - evidence it should be brought forward. in practice, i don't . think it's a threat that could ever be realised. that's different from the threat being made, though, isuppose, and, like, anyone who has spent any time in westminster knows that it is just one of those, sort of common legends that when things get tough all sorts of enticements, bribes, are offered or withdrawn. you must have just as a backbench mp of a few years standing have heard this legend, too. well, the whips have a job to do in both governmentl and opposition side, and we shouldn't be| naive about this. theirjob is to make - sure government business is delivered and that. a mixture of tactics that are legitimately involved - in that work, and i don't think that we would be being honest if we didn't pretend that can i in times involves some robust conversations. about what we were elected to deliver. i that's the nature of delivering on a collective policy- programme to which mps, when you are elected - for a particular party, should sign up. -