Jewish Labour MPs have attacked their party for questioning a decision to ban Hezbollah.

Labour claimed ministers had failed to present “clear evidence” to proscribe the Lebanon-based group’s political wing.

The Commons rubber-stamped the decision by Home Secretary Sajid Javid after MPs did not oppose the move.

In a joint statement, Labour MPs Ruth Smeeth, Dame Margaret Hodge and Dame Louise Ellman said: “Only last summer we had terrorist flags on the streets of London on Al Quds Day, and the police said they could not take action because Hezbollah was not fully proscribed.

“Labour should therefore support the government’s proposal to proscribe Hezbollah in its entirety.

“Yesterday, the Leader of the Labour Party promised he would try and rebuild relations with the Jewish community.

“But his action today demonstrates yet again that this is a man who says one thing but does the complete opposite – hardly a way to start rebuilding relations.”

Labour’s Dame Louise Ellman welcomed the "much-needed measure", but added: "I am extremely concerned (Mr Thomas-Symonds), speaking for the Opposition, was unable to give proper, full support to the banning of this terrorist organisation Hezbollah in its entirety.

"Hezbollah are not our friends and today would have been a very good opportunity to say so."

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the new proscription would now cover the political as well as military wing of Hezbollah, in the Commons.

He said: "There have long been calls to ban the whole group with the distinction between the two factions derided as smoke and mirrors.

"Hezbollah themselves have laughed off the suggestion there is a difference.

"I’ve carefully considered the evidence and I’m satisfied they are one and the same with the entire organisation linked to terrorism."

Labour leader Mr Corbyn has previously said he regrets calling representatives of Hezbollah “friends” during a meeting in Parliament in 2009.

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