The Twickenham MP Munira Wilson, who also represents Teddington residents within her constituency, has condemned government ministers and their representatives for 'demonising' civil servants.

Speaking today – Thursday - in the House of Commons, Ms Wilson hit out at a tweet issued on behalf of the Home Secretary Suella Braverman, which implied civil servants were part of a 'left wing blob' that is thwarting government policy.

The tweet was issued in defence of the government's new immigration bill that is designed to deter asylum seekers attempting to cross the Channel. The United Nations refugee agency and lawyers say the proposed law is likely to be illegal.

The tweet, which was issued by the Conservative Party to its supporters on behalf of the Home Secretary, stated: "We tried to stop the small boat crossings without changing our laws.

"But an activist blob of left-wing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour Party blocked us. So today we're changing our laws — and bringing the small boat crossings to an end."

Subsequently, the Downing Street press office said the Home Secretary had not approved the email sent out in her name.

Munira Wilson suggested the controversial tweet was the latest example of government ministers and their representatives attacking people working in the civil service.

She said: "Last night I received a distraught email from a hardworking and dedicated civil servant living in my constituency.

"He described how he and his colleagues in his words 'are demoralised and tired of being demonised by ministers when they are serving the country as best they can without exception whatever their personal views'."

She added: "In light of the Home Secretary's outrageous email to Conservative Party supporters, does the leader of the House agree with me that political attacks on the integrity of the civil service are never acceptable and will she grant a debate in government time on the importance of ministers upholding the ministerial code."

Leader of the Commons, Penny Mordaunt MP, insisted the government appreciates the work of the civil service and that they work hard to deliver government policies.

Leader of the Commons, Penny Mordaunt MP. Credit: Parliament Live.

"This is a view that is shared across all sides of this house," she said.

She added: "I would just say that if we wish to provide that reassurance that this is the case, that civil servants are respected and their contribution is valued, it is not helpful to attribute those remarks she alludes to, to the Home Secretary.

"The Home Secretary has very clearly said those were not her remarks. She did not approve those remarks and I know she would want me to put on record her thanks to all those in her department and the agencies that work with her."