By Marc Crosby

Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove and Portslade, is joining a new all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on British Jews.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews, which describes itself as existing to promote and defend the liberties of British Jewry, will be the secretariat for the new group.

Mike Weatherley said on his website: “Given that Hove and Portslade have a significant Jewish population, I felt that it is important that I take part in this group which will help strengthen ties between parliamentarians and their Jewish constituents.”

APPGs are cross party groups set up to encourage debate.

Mr Weatherley said he looks forward to being able to attend a meeting soon so he can hear the issues and debates personally.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews has 285 elected representatives from across the religious and political spectrum.

Mr Weatherley said: “Good relationships are always important. The more dialogue the better.”

The APPG launches when parliament returns in October.