Stephen Timms spoken to over attending Muslim Council occasion

A minister has been spoken to for attending a Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) occasion, regardless of a authorities ban on engagement with the group.

Labour’s management “reminded” Sir Stephen Timms of his “obligation to uphold collective duty” after he attended an MCB annual management dinner final week.

Sir Stephen was considered one of 4 Labour MPs to attend alongside backbenchers Afzal Khan, Naz Shah and Abtisam Mohamed.

In 2009, the Labour authorities severed ties with the MCB after a senior determine reportedly backed Hamas. Hyperlinks resumed in 2010 when the MCB condemned violence, however current Conservative and Labour governments have refused any official engagement.

Sir Stephen has been approached for remark.

Sir Stephen’s look on the occasion prompted questions from Conservative MP Nick Timothy concerning the authorities’s stance on the group.

Timothy stated the federal government’s coverage on the MCB was “a whole mess”.

On Tuesday, the prime minister’s official spokesman stated the federal government’s coverage on the group “has not modified”.

He stated: “The minister has been reminded of his obligation to uphold collective duty.”

Beneath Jeremy Corbyn’s management, Sir Stephen acted as Labour’s religion envoy, accountable for the get together’s engagement with a variety of religion teams, and he continues to work intently with such organisations.

In 2010, he was stabbed twice throughout a constituency surgical procedure by a 21-year-old Islamist radical.