MPs unite for annual Westminster Mitzvah Day event

MPs from across the political spectrum united for a special social action project on Wednesday 29 October inside the House of Commons to help support those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness this winter.

Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parliamentarians joined together to pack dry ingredients for warm soups and other meals, which will go to service users at The Passage – a Westminster-based charity that seeks to prevent homelessness and support those in need.

The event was the Parliamentary launch for this year’s Mitzvah Day, the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action. Taking place on Sunday 23 November, thousands of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and those of all faiths and backgrounds will come together to good deeds and make a real difference to their local communities and society.

This year Mitzvah Day celebrates its 20th anniversary, which a special flagship Big Soup Serve that will see people all over the country follow the MPs’ lead in donating to, making and/or serving warm meals to those who need them most.

The Parliamentarians attending the project were Anneliese Midgley MP, Charlotte Nichols MP, Christian Wakeford MP, David Pinto-Duschinsky MP, David Simmonds MP, David Williams MP, Emily Darlington MP, Greg Smith MP, Jess Asato MP, Lisa Smart MP, Navendu Mishra MP, Peter Dowd MP, Rachel Blake MP, Sir Edward Leigh MP, Steve Race MP, Steve Yemm MP, Tom Morrison MP and Tulip Siddiq MP.

Charlotte Nichols MP, who is Jewish and the Labour MP for Warrington North, said: “Mitzvah Day is more important now than ever before, at this time of difficulties with community cohesion. It is such a brilliant way of bringing together communities around the things we have in common. The Jewish concept of Mitzvah and doing good for other people it something we see reflected in other diverse and different faith traditions. It is those things we can unite around and build on.”

Conservative Greg Smith MP, who represents Mid Buckinghamshire, said: “The focus of this event today has been around getting food in the hands of those who need it the most. Who might be hungry or struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their families at the moment. I was delighted to come along and learn more about Mitzvah Day and support the activities of the Passage.”

Tom Morrison MP (Cheadle) and Lisa Smart MP (Hazel Grove) said: “There is a lot of tension and worry in our communities right now, and interfaith work is absolutely the bridge we can use to solve that. There is a really important role that MPs can play in that work. We need to be active participants. We can’t just wait for something else to do it.”

• 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 of British Jews.