TORY MP Steve Baker is facing criticism for posting a “disgusting” response to Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child hunger.

Baker, the MP for Wycombe and former chairman of the European Research Group, dismissed the footballer’s comments – but turned off the reply function on Twitter, meaning people could not respond directly to his claim.

Manchester United striker Rashford launched a petition urging ministers to go further on tackling child poverty, which included a call for free school meals to be provided over Christmas and other upcoming holidays.

Boris Johnson rejected the latest proposal, but Rashford had successfully forced the UK Government to U-turn on scrapping support for youngsters in England during the summer break earlier this year.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson rejects Marcus Rashford's plan to end child hunger

The free school meals issue will be discussed in the Commons later as part of an opposition day.

Ahead of the debate, Rashford tweeted: “Paying close attention to the Commons today and to those who are willing to turn a blind eye to the needs of our most vulnerable children, 2.2M of them who currently qualify for Free School Meals. 42% newly registered. Not to mention the 1.5M children who currently don’t qualify.”

Baker quote tweeted the campaigner’s post, adding: “No one will be turning a blind eye and it is wrong to suggest anyone would.

“Not destroying the currency with excessive QE [quantitative easing] is also one of our duties.”

The comment provoked anger – and despite the reply function being switched off, many Twitter users utilised the “quote tweet” option to express their views to the MP.

Anthony Cotton, an actor and campaigner, told Baker: “That’s odd @SteveBakerHW, because turning a blind eye is exactly what this government did until @MarcusRashford forced the same said government to do something about it.

“As for quantitative easing, this is child poverty we’re talking about. Children NOT HAVING FOOD TO EAT.”

Economist Richard Murphy asked Baker what evidence he had for his claim. “Tell me please @SteveBakerHW what evidence there is that QE has destroyed our currency, or the dollar, euro or yen, come to that?

“And if you can’t find any, because there is none, what will your next excuse for imposing poverty be?”

Liam Thorp, political editor at the Liverpool Echo, slammed Baker for not accepting replies. “Here is 'hard man' @SteveBakerHW not allowing replies as he quote tweets a young man fighting for kids to be fed,” he posted.

Journalist Annette Dittert chipped in: “This is simply disgusting. I can think of a lot of things that are currently destroying the currency. To feed children in need is not one of them.”

Rashford politely responded to Baker, telling him: “At least turn on your comments and let me respond Steve. I very much welcome conversation on this.”

The row comes a day after the Scottish Government announced an extra £10 million to help fund free school meals over the upcoming school holidays.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This important investment will support around 156,000 children and young people, helping families meet the cost of meals over the school holidays.”