The row between Conservative MPs and the BBC over Brexit is the latest in a series of clashes. During the 2015 election campaign, senior Conservatives said that they were “furious at the BBC’s coverage” and accused it of an “unforgivable Labour bias”.

Tory MPs have become increasingly critical of the BBC since the referendum. In October last year Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, hit out at the corporation’s  “infuriating” and “shamelessly anti-Brexit coverage”.

A total of 72 MPs have signed the letter including 60 Tory MPs, three Labour MPs, eight DUP MPs and Douglas Carswell, Ukip’s only MP.

Prominent Conservatives who have signed the letter include Iain Duncan Smith, the former Work and Pensions Secretary, and Owen Paterson, the former Environment Secretary.