THE health secretary has pleaded with Oxfordshire author Philip Pullman to retract his statement about the Conservatives being a 'bunch of crooks'.

The Twitter spat was triggered by Matt Hancock's pledge to protect the NHS after a special Channel 4 Dispatches episode looked at the consequences that trade deals with America would have on our health care system.

Replying to his initial tweet claiming he 'loves' the NHS, the His Dark Materials author replied saying: "I don't believe a word you say. The FOR SALE notice would go up as soon as the exit poll says you've won. Bunch of crooks."

Mr Hancock said: "Hi Philip, I know you care about the quality of the political discourse, so I'd be grateful if you'd withdraw this wrong and unreasonable statement. All the best."

Mr Pullman said: "Your leader sets the tone: an unending torrent of lies. We can't trust the organ-grinder: should we trust the monkey?"

The Tory cabinet member then said: "It just hold a hope that someone as eloquent as you could use that talent to raise, rather than lower, the tone of the debate. That tweet was beneath you. With all best wishes"