Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne has come under fire for comments made to a group of vaccine sceptics.

Sir Desmond told the group, Save Our Rights UK, that NHS capacity figures were being "manipulated" and to "persist" in protesting lockdown measures.

The remarks, made in November, have led to members of the Tory party calling for an apology while Labour say it "undermines" the government's message.

Sir Desmond Swayne has come under fire for comments he made to a group of vaccine sceptics. (Pic: Getty Images)

The comments surfaced as the UK passed 100,000 coronavirus deaths and NHS data showing more than 37,000 people were in hospital with the virus.

What did Sir Desmond Swayne say to Save Our Rights UK?

Sir Desmond's comments emerged in the wake of Prime Minister Boris Johnson extending current national lockdown measures, as the UK continues to limit the spread of Covid-19.

The interview with Save Our Rights UK was recorded in November, in which Sir Desmond is accused of spreading "disinformation".

“It seems to be a manageable risk, particularly as figures have been manipulated… We’re told there is a deathly, deadly pandemic proceeding at the moment,” he told the campaigners.

“That is difficult to reconcile with ICUs (intensive care units) actually operating at typical occupation levels for the time of year and us bouncing round at the typical level of deaths for the time of year.”

Save Our Rights UK has protested against the lockdown measures being enforced by the government and also questioned the safety of the vaccine due to the speed it has been produced, despite rigorous trials of the jabs.

Why have the comments landed Sir Desmond Swayne in hot water?

The government is seeking unity and clarity in its message, as it continues the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines - long thought of to be the key to ending the current pandemic and restrictions on daily lives.

Michael Gove said Sir Desmond Swayne should apologise for the comments he made to Save Our Rights UK, when speaking to Sky News.

Mr Gove said: "Sir Desmond is wrong. I work with Sir Desmond, I have great affection for him but I'm afraid here he is completely out of order.

“I think it’s for Sir Desmond to make that apology to retract and withdraw his words and I’m sure he will reflect on that mistake and I’m sure he will be very clear it was a serious mistake and an apology will be forthcoming.”

What has Labour said following Sir Desmond Swayne's comments?

Angela Rayner, Labour's deputy leader, said Sir Desmond was “endorsing dangerous anti-vaccination campaigners, spreading disinformation and promoting conspiracy theories” and called on Boris Johnson to take action.

She said: “It is clear that Desmond Swayne has no intention of apologising or withdrawing his dangerous remarks.

“After the Conservatives have refused to act, the Prime Minister must intervene urgently, condemn these comments and take action. A failure to do so risks undermining our national effort to defeat this virus, combat dangerous anti-vaccine disinformation and vaccinate Britain.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Conservative Whips Office also condemned Sir Desmond's comments.

"It is on all of us to work together to control the virus to protect the NHS and save lives. People across the country are sacrificing so much to help beat the virus and we thank them for their efforts," they said.

Has Sir Desmond Swayne apologised for his comments?

Sir Desmond held a series of interviews in which he said the comments made in November were "legitimate at the time" and accepts the Covid-19 situation has changed due to the new variant.

The New Forest West MP said he regretted the "fuss" the comments had caused and stated he would not be apologising for what he said due to the Covid-19 situation at the time, he told Sky News.

The media outlet also reports that deaths were 14% above the five-year average at the time of his comments, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

He told PA that he was in support of the vaccination programme and said he was on record for criticising the use of data and other health measures in the House of Commons.

“I have always had a great deal of respect for Michael [Gove] but I’m not sure precisely what I’m being asked to apologise for,” Sir Desmond said in an interview with PA. “I had no idea, indeed I am not aware, of any baggage they hold on anti-vaxx, it’s never been discussed, never been raised.”

He went on to explain that he told the group to "persist" in their campaign against restrictions, but insisted they should still stick to the rules.

Sir Desmond will be asked to attend meetings with scientific advisers, the Tory party said.

Sir Desmond Swayne: what did the Conservative MP say about Covid statistics - and was he spreading “disinformation”?