The National Trust has been accused of adopting a "North Korean approach" to their controversial voting system by a former supreme court judge.

Lord Sumption claims the membership charity is disrespecting grassroots activists by making it harder to oppose its preferred policy direction.

During its annual general meeting, a "quick vote" system is used to approve its annual report and choice of trustees in one click.

However, selecting alternative options takes significantly longer.

Lord Sumption said it had become "virtually impossible for somebody who is not endorsed by management" to gain a place on the Trust’s council.

"National Trust members ought to be trusted, rather than treating them as children who need to be pulled by the nose in whatever direction the management thinks proper," he told The House magazine.

"It really is rather a North Korean approach."