The House of Commons is to start serving kosher and halal food on a trial basis in one of its eateries.

“High quality ready meals” and kosher sandwiches will be made available in Bellamy’s, a House of Commons cafeteria, from March 30 as part of a three-month trial.

The move was announced after Jewish Labour MP Charlotte Nichols and Muslim Labour MP Zarah Sultana wrote a joint letter.

Ms Nichols tweeted that she was “absolutely delighted”, adding it was “great news for Members, staff and visitors”.

It follows a “de-facto ban” of kosher and halal meat from Houses of Parliament catering, which came to light in 2018, after enquiries were made by then-senior parliamentary assistant to Tulip Siddiq, Jay Magnus-Stoll.

Mr Stoll inquired about the possibility of kosher food being provided in Parliament’s nine restaurants and canteens, but was told menus were governed by guidelines written by groups including the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association – a long-standing critic of non-stun slaughter.

Jay Magnus-Stoll welcomed the news that kosher food would be provided, telling the JC: “After years of nagging Parliament’s officials, I'm delighted that they have finally relented. This will benefit hundreds of employees and visitors.

“Well done to the MPs who took this over the line and to the JC for giving this coverage.”