MP PETER Lilley has stunned colleagues in Parliament – by calling for Members of Parliament to be paid less. In face of the belief of many that MPs always look after themselves, the Hitchin and Harpenden MP argued on Tuesday that with so much power being

MP PETER Lilley has stunned colleagues in Parliament - by calling for Members of Parliament to be paid less.

In face of the belief of many that MPs always look after themselves, the Hitchin and Harpenden MP argued on Tuesday that with so much power being handed to the European Union, MPs' pay should be reduced proportionately.

Mr Lilley maintained that in virtually every other occupation it was recognised that pay should reflect responsibilities so MPs should make a financial sacrifice.

His aim was to warn about the encroachments of Europe and to suggest that MPs would only take on board the danger if they got less money in their pockets.

And he concluded by expressing the hope that someone would speak against him - which a Labour MP for York duly did, calling it a "nonsensical proposal".