Andrew Percy, Conservative MP for Brigg and Goole, who converted to Judaism last year, said: “Some of us on this side who try to address this and raise this are sadly accused of trying to smear the Labour Party. I have no interest in smearing the Labour Party on anything. But nor do I have any interest in allowing what is happening in British politics… to continue to happen.”

Mr Percy praised a speech given earlier in the debate by Andrew Gwynne, Shadow Communities Secretary. However, he pointed out that “a Labour member who said the Jews were responsible for the slave trade [has been] defended by a member of the honourable gentleman’s party who sits behind him”.

This was a reference to Chris Williamson, MP for Derby North, who has consistently defended Jackie Walker, the “Labour member” in question, who is currently suspended from the party.