Finchley and Golders Green's Conservative MP has been accused of "politicising what should be a universally embraced act of remembrance" by staging a Holocaust memorial bulb planting event in his constituency.

Matt Staples, chair of the local Labour Party said that while they "totally support" remembrance of the Shoah it was "a pity" that MP Mike Freer had not invited representatives from across the spectrum to Sunday's event.

A crocus bulb planting event will take place on the green by the La Délivrance statue at Henley’s Corner, Finchley and is due to see 1,500 crocus bulbs planted in memory of the 1.5 million children who lost their lives in the Holocaust.

Mr Staples told the JC: "We totally support remembrance of the Holocaust - but this should have been pan community and non-political and have had representatives from across the community.

"It is a pity that representatives from across the political spectrum were not invited and currently set up the event politicises what should have been a universally embraced act of remembrance."

He revealed he had sought advice on the ceremony from Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence of Kinloss Synagogue, which is just a few hundred metres from the site, in August.

As well as the planting of 1,500 bulbs, a commemorative plaque bearing the MP's name will also be unveiled on the green during the event, which runs from 11 am to 4pm.

Local communal groups have supplied volunteers to plant the crocii throughout the day.

Mr Freer said he wished to "do something locally" following visits to the children's memorial at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

The MP said the date of the event was influenced by negotiations with the council over use of the land, the length of time needed for the order of bulbs to arrive and the best time for planting.

Community leaders from several shuls have been invited to attend the event - which takes place just over one week after the MP Luciana Berger was announced as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the seat.

Mr Freer had first began discussions with Barnet Council over staging the event a year ago.

The JC has contacted the Liberal Democrats for comment.