Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling was welcomed to an Iftar meal in his constituency during Ramadan.

Iftar is the breaking of the daily fast at sunset that Muslim's observing Ramadan take part in.

The MP and Transport Secretary appeared to have been joined at the meal by fellow Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park and North Kingston).

Mr Grayling said that he was "delighted" to share the communal Iftar meal with some of his constituents.

"I was delighted to be invited for an Iftar at the home of one of my constituents - to witness them breaking their long fast, and to share a meal with family and friends.

"Participating in this act of togetherness and community has shown that breaking down barriers between people can be done by simply extending the hand of friendship to your neighbours and colleagues,"

The transport secretary also highlighted the contribution the Muslim community make in the area and suggested more people attend an Iftar meal during Ramadan.

MR Grayling said: "From the local mosque, which I am pleased to frequent often, to business leaders, Muslims play a key role in local life. In fact, Muslims across the country, whether in the NHS, business, education, arts and culture and more besides, continue to contribute across society - making this country what it is.

"I urge everyone to embrace the spirit of Ramadan and share an iftar meal with a Muslim family, to share in this incredible experience."

The Conservative party have been accused of failing to tackle Islamophobia in its ranks, including by the Muslim former Conservative Co-Chair Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.

The party took action by suspending 14 of its members in March over alleged Islamophobia discovered on social media.

Mr Grayling's message came ahead of news that the Conservative-majority UK government faced a backlash after it rejected adopting a definition of Islamophobia drafted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, which was approved by Labour and the Liberal Democrats.