‘Senior Conservatives are threatening a major rebellion over Europe.

Scores of MPs plan to defy the Government over the European Arrest Warrant (EAW).

Conservative whips have warned Downing St that up to 60 back-bench MPs are prepared to vote against the decision to remain part of the EAW scheme and more than 30 other European Union justice rules.

The rebellion could erupt before the European Parliament elections in May, exposing Conservative tensions just as they face a serious threat from the UK Independence Party.

The EAW scheme allows foreign police to summon Britons, and detectives in this country to extradite suspects from the Continent. Conservative critics say it gives other countries’ legal systems unacceptable power.’

Read more: Conservative backbenchers ready to rebel over European arrest warrants