Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: "It is wrong to characterise this extra £10,000 allocated by IPSA as MPs giving themselves additional funds.

“On the contrary, this money is being used to enable MPs& #39; staff to set up home working to support distressed constituents at a time of crisis. Many MPs have seen their casework soar as a direct result of coronavirus.

“Enabling staff to work remotely is the best and the safest way for them - and the constituents they are in contact with - to communicate and work together during these difficult times.

“The additional budget is there to draw down on if it is needed and required - and it will have to be accounted for in the usual way."