Hot food should be banned on the Tube because it's "offensive", according to Tory peer Lord Sherbourne.

The former political secretary to Margaret Thatcher has called on his party to ban takeaways on the London Underground and said London could follow the lead of Washington DC, which has introduced the rule.

In a drastic claim, he told the House of Lords: "Many passengers in congested carriages find that very offensive".

He added: "It creates litter and when left lying around carriages, can create a health hazard."

With Christmas season in full swing, late night party-goers can be seen with hot food on their journeys home and Lord Sherbourne has said it should be treated in the same way as cigarette smoke.

Transport Minister Lord Ahmad agreed that while hot food was an "area of concern" and agreed to discuss the issue, said there was no current plans to introduce a ban.

A "Travel Better London" campaign already exists to make the millions of tube passengers think about travel etiquette, including illustrated poetry to make people shuffle down into the carriage and to offer seats to those who need it.

poll loading

Should hot food be banned on the Tube?