http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31012672

Make your own jokes... She had a conscience; she should never have been near the Lib Dems, never mind the Tories.

What? An MP, with priciples (well at least one anyway).

I think I need to go and have a lie down.

The last minister I actually remember standing down over a matter of principle is Robin Cook.

Well, to a degree. I doubt she resigned over the principle. She spoke out over it and then more than likely was told privately 'Jump or get pushed' for not toeing the party line. Whether she knew she'd get the hook if she spoke out I don't know.

I always wonder how much MP's know about fracking, other than headline grabbing scare stories that is. I mean technical details for what goes on and what the real risks are.

It must vary wildly. They've got a research allowance which might depend on their own leanings to start with, special advisors, the whip having a word...

I just ask because I remember years ago when they brought in the smoking ban. One MP went into a rant about how oil rigs were given an exception just like prisons. The way he talked you'd thing the crews were all lighting up on deck in the middle of a gas cloud. Complete ignorant arse.