A Conservative MP has been sacked from his government post after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Sky News reported.

Paul Bristow has been asked to step down from his position of parliamentary private secretary after writing to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to urge a “permanent” break in fighting between Israel and Hamas.

He was fired for comments that are “not consistent with the principles of collective responsibility,” a Number 10 spokesperson said.

“I completely understand the PM’s decision. And it is with regret I leave a job I enjoyed,” Bristow told Sky News.

“But I can now talk openly about an issue so many of my constituents care deeply about. I believe I can do this better from the backbenches rather than as part of the government payroll.”

A large number of opposition MPs have backed calls for a ceasefire but very few Conservative MPs have.

In his letter to the prime minister on Thursday, the Peterborough MP said: “My constituents and I are deeply grieved by the heart-breaking and devastating humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Gaza.”

Thousands have been killed and more than one million now displaced, he said and added: “It is difficult to understand how this makes Israel more secure or indeed makes anything better.”