Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs and peers united for Mitzvah Day on Monday with a social action project at the House of Commons.

Newly elected Labour MP for Batley and Spen Kim Leadbeater — sister of murdered MP Jo Cox — was among around 20 Parliamentarians who helped to pack hygiene kits for the Comfort Cases UK charity, which provides backpacks of personal care items for those entering the fostering system.

Other participants included Transport Under-Secretary Robert Courts, Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green, Theresa Villiers, Robert Halfon and Christian Wakeford.

Hosting the event was Leeds North West Labour MP Alex Sobel, who brought along extra packers in his children Zac (11) and Jakob (13).

“Mitzvah Day is so vital right now,” he said. “In the last 20 months, we have seen the response of the Jewish and faith communities to the pandemic, doing everything they can to support others, both on Mitzvah Day and all year round.

“I’ve seen the Jewish community, in Leeds and all over the UK, really stepping up to the plate and supporting people through a whole range of issues — refugees, women and girls escaping violence; those in food poverty.”

Mr Courts complimented Mitzvah Day as “a lovely charity that does a whole host of great work for good causes, as well as bringing people of all backgrounds together”.

Also on hand were Mitzvah Day founder and chair Laura Marks, chief executive Georgina Bye and Board of Deputies vice-president Amanda Bowman.

The Commons event launched the build-up to Mitzvah Day 2021, which will take place on and around November 21.

After a truncated version last year because of pandemic restrictions, Ms Bye said the Westminster gathering was a celebration of togetherness. “We have deeply missed in-person events.

“It is clear that MPs from all political backgrounds and faiths are united around our need to come together to do social action in our local communities.”

Ms Marks said it was wonderful to have Mitzvah Day “back in the heart of government” and paid tribute to Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire, “both staunch and valued supporters of community-based initiatives and of Mitzvah Day, who are sorely missed”.