Minister spoken to over attending Muslim Council event

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

Labour's leadership "reminded" Sir Stephen Timms of his "duty to uphold collective responsibility" after he attended an MCB annual leadership dinner last week.

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

In 2009, the Labour government severed ties with the MCB after a senior figure reportedly backed Hamas. Links resumed in 2010 when the MCB condemned violence, but recent Conservative and Labour governments have refused any official engagement.

Sir Stephen has been approached for comment.

Sir Stephen's appearance at the event prompted questions from Conservative MP Nick Timothy about the government's stance on the group.

Timothy said the government's policy on the MCB was "a complete mess".

On Tuesday, the prime minister's official spokesman said the government's policy on the group "has not changed".

He said: "The minister has been reminded of his duty to uphold collective responsibility."

Under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, Sir Stephen acted as Labour's faith envoy, responsible for the party's engagement with a range of faith groups, and he continues to work closely with such organisations.

In 2010, he was stabbed twice during a constituency surgery by a 21-year-old Islamist radical.