An MP has demanded a commitment from government that no civil service jobs will be moved overseas.

Ministers said jobs must be in the most appropriate place but confirmed there are no plans for a move.

Shipley MP Philip Davies, pictured, who represents Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston, said the move would be “a step too far”.

Speaking in the Cabinet Office questions, he said: “I very much support efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the civil service, but can I tempt him to go further and completely rule out the transfer overseas of any job currently undertaken by civil servants in the UK which I believe will be a step too far.”

It is feared that 500 former civil servants will be made redundant and jobs outsourced.

Services Connected Ltd, a private company part owned by government and set up to run civil service back office functions, is expected to close offices across the country including one in Leeds.

Cabinet Secretary, Francis Maude, said: “The approach we take is the same as the last government. We do need to be efficient and jobs to be undertaken in the place where they can best be done. Normally that will be in Britain and the more efficient we are the more jobs we will create in Britain.”