WHILE their political opinions and beliefs may vary wildly, the Bradford district’s MPs have revealed they have at least one shared area of common ground.

All of the district’s MPs have stated they have no intention of quitting their parties and joining the newly formed Independent Group.

On Monday, seven Labour MPs including Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger and Angela Smith announced they were resigning from the party to form a new Independent Group.

They were joined yesterday by an eighth Labour MP and three Conservative MPs; ;Anna Soubry, Heidi Allen, and Sarah Wollaston.

Every MP blamed their party’s handling of Brexit as a reason for resigning, with the Labour MPs also blaming the issue of anti-Semitism in their party as a reason for leaving.

Imran Hussain, Labour MP for Bradford East, said the MPs who have resigned should call by-elections.

He said: “I have been a member of the Labour Party since a young age and I have full confidence in the Labour leadership and the direction of the party.

“I will continue to be a proud member of the Labour movement which has a rich history of standing up and fighting for working people.

“Our only aim should be to defeat this cruel Tory government, not prop them up and betray the working people that elected us all.

“The Labour MPs who were elected were elected on a Labour ticket and by leaving they have betrayed their constituents, and they must call a by-election.”

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, firmly responded “no” when asked if she planned to leave Labour.

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said leaving the party “never crossed her mind”.

She said: “It’s very sad we have had colleagues leave, but like Jeremy said we have a plan and a policy, and a manifesto we want to deliver.

“But there was no decision for me, it never crossed my mind.”

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, said he will “absolutely not” be defecting to the breakaway group.

He said: “I shall definitely not be joining that group, I am a Conservative; I always have been and always will be.

“I think the Independent Group is basically a party of MPs that want to overturn the result of the EU referendum.

“That is what they all have in common, and perhaps want to set up some sort of European party. But I will absolutely not be joining them.”

John Grogan, Labour MP for Keighley, said he is not leaving, but Labour must address the issue of anti-Semitism.

He said: “I am sticking with the Labour Party because over the last century it has been the main engine of social progress and can be again.

“If the left in politics divides we lose it is simple as that . Having said that I do not think our Leader Mr Corbyn has done nearly enough to combat anti Semitism in our party.

“If he aspires to be Prime Minister he needs to get rid of some of his more hardline advisers , broaden the Shadow Cabinet and position the Party firmly in the political mainstream with radical , progressive policies rooted in common sense.”

Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds North West, said: “The MPs who split away have served Labour for years, so I thank them for their work and wish them well - though I disagree with their decision.

“I stand by Labour’s direction of travel on the economy and austerity, which alongside Brexit are the most important issues facing the country.

“I share the views of MPs, party members and those in the community: concerns around party culture - particularly the failure to tackle anti-Semitic abuse - and a culture of bad faith or exclusionary rhetoric in pockets of the party, particularly online. But I firmly believe leaving the party offers no way to improve Labour.

“I will continue to fight for a left which encourages pluralism and democracy. I have done so for 21 years in the party and will continue to do so, and I will continue to fight for social justice in the Labour Party.

Tracy Brabin, Labour MP for Batley & Spen, said: “Heartbreaking to lose colleagues in this way.

“Only by working together as a broad church can we change the lives for our constituents. The Labour and Cooperative Party have long-standing traditions to support those most in need and with ambition to fulfil their potential.”

Stuart Andrew, MP for Pudsey, also confirmed he will not be resigning from the Conservative Party.