The Labour MP for Slough has urged voters to put aside religion and community divisions ahead of the general election - warning of the risk of faith groups being encouraged to 'vote in a block.'

Tan Dhesi MP, elected to Parliament in 2017, serves as Shadow Minister for Exports under Keir Starmer.

In a post on Facebook, he spoke of his pride in representing a multifaith and multi-ethnic constituency, with supporters from various communities.

He told his constituents: "Please don’t be duped by those trying to #toxify the town and divide our #MultiFaith diverse community, by going to people’s houses and asking one faith community in particular to 'vote in a block.'"

Echoing Labour's own message, Mr Dhesi MP stressed that the election - due on July 4 - is all about national and economic concerns which transcend community divisions.

He reflected on his own experiences since being elected as an MP in 2017, stating: "I was overwhelmed by the love shown by the #Slough #Muslim community in 2017, when they ignored the unscrupulous tactics and leaflets being distributed against me outside mosques about only being pro-#Sikh, and elected me with a record-breaking margin.

"I assured them then that they would be represented like never before, and I’d be a strong voice for them, for human rights and peace, and against #Islamophobia; which I duly did, including taking to task Boris Johnson for his 'letterboxes and bank robbers' racist remarks dehumanising Muslim women.

"It’s also why I feel a special responsibility about not letting hardliners marginalise British Muslims, but ensuring they remain well and truly in the mainstream."

Mr Dhesi MP added: "We don’t want to import the #toxic politics of the subcontinent where many are persuaded to vote based on #religion, #caste or #biradari.

"We must build #CommunityCohesion and #integration, because we have #MoreInCommon than that which divides us."