Anti-abortion MP in Twitter row

The comments come ahead of Dorries’ appearance on Newsnight later, when she will debate with Abbott, who resigned from the cross-party group on counselling given to pregnant women by abortion providers today.

Dorries is currently driving a campaign to reduce the legal abortion limit from 24 weeks to 20 and Abbott dismissed the cross-party group as a “front” for those who want abortion outlawed.

Dorries started the debate early with a series of provocative tweets.

She wrote on Twitter: “I think the real reason Diane Abbott has left the harmonious cross party consultation committee is a crude attempt to ‘Divide and Conquer’”

This was a possible reference to the notorious tweet from Abbott a couple of weeks ago.

Dorries continued: “The cross party committee has had two and a half meetings - Daine [sic] fell asleep throughout the 1st, missed the 2nd, was late for the 3rd.

“Diane Abbott’s real reason for leaving the committee could be because she hasn’t got a clue what is going on!

“Despite having been given an unprecedented opportunity to influence the Govs consultation document. The word lazy springs to mind.”

Although Dianne Abbotts did not take to Twitter to respond to the comments, Luton Borough Council Councillor Sian Timoney defended her.

She said: “what a cheek criticising Abbot. 18 meetings of Science and Technology Committee. You didn’t bother turning up once.”

Dorries replied: “Thats because I wasn’t on the committee. My name shouldn’t be on the list. The clue is in the fact that I never turned up once!”

Another Tweeter said to Dorries: “So, much like you and the Health Select committee then?”

The two women will discuss the cross-party abortion group on BBC Newsnight this evening.