British government warns staff to stop posting negative tweets about Donald Trump

The Home Office has made it clear that it doesn't want its staff to post negative tweets about Donald Trump.

In an email sent to the staff working at the department's digital data and technology unit, the Home Office warned staff to "avoid commenting on politically controversial issues" in general and "giving personal opinions about the organisation."

The Register and the BBC, which saw the leaked email, reported that staff were warned that some of their Twitter comments were "not compliant."

Accounts are "stating that they work for the Home Office, posting HO work, whilst tweeting or retweeting negative posts about, for example, [US President] Donald Trump," it said.

"We need to be careful here and ensure all our staff are following this guidance which reflects the Civil Service Code," it added.

The U.S. president is due to make a state visit to the UK later this year -- but many MPs have criticised Downing Street for the invitation. Commons Speaker John Bercow has voiced his opposition to Trump addressing Parliament during the visit.

A Home Office spokesperson said all civil servants are expected to abide by the core values and standards of behaviour set out in the Civil Service Code.

"This includes the need for political impartiality and also applies to the use of social and other digital media," it said.

"We recently updated our guidance on the use of social media by staff to make it clearer and easier to understand. This is in line with the Cabinet Office's guidance and the changes have been communicated to all staff."