A minister has been "reminded of his duty to uphold collective responsibility" after attending a Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) event, despite a government ban on engagement with the organisation.

Work and Pensions Minister Sir Stephen Timms attended the MCB’s annual leadership dinner last week, drawing criticism from Conservative MP Nick Timothy over the Government’s position on the group.

The Labour government cut ties with the MCB in 2009 after a senior figure reportedly expressed support for Hamas. While ties were briefly restored in 2010 following the MCB’s stated opposition to violence, both Conservative and Labour administrations have since avoided formal engagement.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the Government’s policy on the MCB remains unchanged, adding that Sir Stephen had been reminded of his responsibilities.

Nick Timothy criticised the situation as a "complete mess." Sir Stephen, who previously served as Labour’s faith envoy, was one of four Labour MPs at the event, alongside Afzal Khan, Naz Shah, and Abtisam Mohamed. 

In 2010, Sir Stephen survived a stabbing attack during a constituency surgery by a 21-year-old Islamist extremist.