MPs carry out a mitzvah in the House of Commons

Mitzvah Day has had its parliamentary launch, bringing together MPs and peers from across the political spectrum to take part in a social action project to help some of the most vulnerable in society.

Parliamentarians, including Labour MPs Chi Onwurah, Peter Prinsley and Sharon Hodgson, Conservatives Lord Michael Howard and James Cleverley, Liberal Democrats Tom Morrison and Liz Jarvis and Democratic Unionist Jim Shannon, came together in the House of Commons for an initiative to support the JW3 food bank.

The politicians brought non-perishable items and wrote notes of support to be delivered with food parcels to those in need.

Mitzvah Day, which takes place on November 24, is the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action. Thousands of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and those of other faiths and none will come together to carry out a “mitzvah” (“good deed”) for the benefit of their local community.

This year’s theme is Stronger Together and Mitzvah Day chair Laura Marks CBE said: “Our message of Stronger Together was perfectly encapsulated by these MPs – of different parties and political beliefs – uniting for a good cause.

“Together, our parliamentarians displayed a commitment to addressing food insecurity and ensuring that vulnerable members of their constituencies do not go hungry in these cold winter months.”

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Gateshead South, said: “It was great to take part in this important event and learn more about the social action projects taking place around the country this Mitzvah Day.”

The House of Commons event was run in partnership with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies.