MONMOUTH MP David Davies has called TV star Matt Lucas a "moron" in a debate over police prioritising certain victims of crime.

The Conservative politician, referring to a Daily Mail article on the issue, slammed the proposal made by Metropolitan Police chief Craig Mackey as as “appalling and discriminatory”.

The force suggested that officers would prioritise non-English speakers and the elderly and vulnerable in the community to cope with cuts to its budget.

Mr Davies added that the police could save further money by cutting access to translators.

The tweet prompted an instant backlash on social media, attracting more than 400 replies since it was first posted.

Among those was Little Britain star Mr Lucas, who on Saturday tweeted: “Fortunately we don’t need a translator to tell us how fascistic this sounds.”

In reply, Mr Davies said: “Highlighting cost of interpreters 4 ppl who dont speak English isnt Fascism. U may b funny but u arnt much of a historian.”

The two continued to trade virtual blows with Mr Daves branding Mr Lucas a “Lefty luvvie comedian without a clue about the real world”, to which the comedian replied by accusing him of racism.

Mr Davies then said: “You happily 'blacked up' for a sketch then accuse others of 'racism'. 1 rule 4 lefty comedians & 1 rule 4 everyone else eh? Moron.”

The MP seemed to be referring to Mr Lucas' sketch show Come Fly With Me, in which he and co-creator David Walliams play characters of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Mr Lucas replied: “Context and intent wilfully ignored. Well done. Do you represent all of your constituents or just the fluent English-speaking ones?”

Tweeting today, Mr Davies retorted by saying: “while u blacked up I served as Special Constable & wrote a report on racism in the police for Council of Europe.”

And speaking to the Argus, the MP described the reaction to his comments as “ridiculous”.

He said: “I'm not sure whether [Lucas] has got the wrong end of the stick but he's decided to wade in on a row he knows nothing about.

“While he was blacking up for TV, for nine months I was a special constable working alongside people from all kinds of different ethnic backgrounds to combat racism in the police so I think I know a bit more on the subject than he does.

“The whole thing is ridiculous, and he might have the last laugh but I've got better things to do.”

The argument has drawn thousands of interactions from Twitter users, including singer Lily Allen.

Matt Lucas has been contacted for comment.