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Former Prime Minister David Cameron today said he "disagrees" with the decision of three Tory MPs to dramatically quit the party as he called for ministers to promote "modern, compassionate Conservatism".

Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston signed up to the newly formed Independent Group and appealed to other one-nation Tories to join them on Wednesday.

Following the announcement, Mr Cameron tweeted: “I am sad that three talented Tory MPs have left the party... I respect their decision, but disagree with them."

He added: "I backed the open primaries that saw two of them elected and supported them all.

"We need strong voices at every level of the party calling for the modern, compassionate Conservatism that saw the Conservative Party return to office.

"Our party has long been able to contain different views on Europe. Everyone must ensure that can continue to be the case."

The three MPs appealed to other ministers to stop “no deal” Brexit chaos and hit out at Prime Minister Theresa May's "disastrous" handling of Brexit as they quit.

At a Westminster press conference, they made clear that their concerns about Mrs May's performance went far wider, accusing the PM of throwing away the modernisation agenda begun by Mr Cameron and allowing the party to be taken over by right-wing Brexit hardliners.

The trio have joined eight Labour MPs on party walk-outs which includes: Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes and Joan Ryan.

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The move, just an hour before Prime Minister’s Questions, left Mrs May further weakened as she desperately seeks to persuade Brussels to end the deadlock over Brexit talks.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms Allen, a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, made clear she was also opposed to the Government's stance on welfare.

"I can no longer represent a Government and a party who can't open their eyes to the suffering endured by the most vulnerable in society, suffering which we have deepened whilst having the power to fix," she said.

Dr Wollaston, who chairs the Commons Health Committee, said: "I am afraid the Prime Minister simply hasn't delivered on the pledge she made on the steps of Downing Street to tackle the burning injustices in our society.

"I think that what we now see is the party, that was once the most trusted on the economy and business, is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit."

Mrs May said she was "saddened" by the decision but insisted that "we are doing the right thing for our country" by delivering Brexit.

She added: "I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve."

A Downing Street spokesman said the three MPs' Conservative associations were now free to select new general election candidates but said he was not aware of any central directive to do so. He said he was not in a position to rule out their return to the party after Brexit.