Prominent Labour members have spoken after seven MPs left the party over its stance on anti-Semitism and Brexit.

Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker and Ann Coffey resigned from the labour party this morning (February 18).

Ms Berger, the Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree, said Labour had become institutionally anti-Semitic and she was "embarrassed and ashamed" to stay.

Mr Umunna, Member of Parliament for Streatham, said they had "taken the first step" and urged other Labour MPs - and members of other parties - to join them in "building a new politics" as the Independent Group in Parliament.

In Watford the news has been received with disappointment, Labour Parliamentary Candidate Chris Ostrowski said: “The Labour Party has always been a broad church that has accommodated a range of views.

“It is important that all Labour Party members remember this and, where differences occur, we focus on what unites us; our commitment to social equality and human rights, to a fairer and more equal society that provides opportunity to all, to the protection of our vital public services.

“This is what the Watford Labour Party stands for and I am delighted that here in Watford, the Labour Party members have never been more united and focused on winning the next election.

“The Tories will always be on the side of privileged few.

“They have brutally cut funding the police and the NHS, and they have admitted that their austerity policies have forced people into using food banks.

“The current political crisis has been created by the Tories bungling and arrogant handling of Brexit.

“Watford deserves better, and I would encourage everyone who wants to see a change in this country to unite behind Labour's vision for the many and not the few.”

Mike Jackson, the chair of Watford Labour Party, said: "Watford Labour Party is united around our campaign to elect a Labour MP for Watford and a Labour Government.

"We have supported a People’s Vote, and we also support Jeremy Corbyn as our leader.

"There are no splits here in Watford."

Hertsmere Labour leader Jeremy Newmark said he was receptive to the concerns raised but believes local politics and national politics should remain separate.

“I’m sensitive to all the concerns raised, but I think right now given the political turmoil of politics in this country labour represents the only viable alternative to cuts and austerity.

“I don’t think national politics should take away local issues especially in Hertsmere with elections coming up in May.

“I have spoken out about how the party can do more to tackle anti-Semitism, but my focus is what is going on in Hertsmere as local party leader and councillor."

Councillor Stephen Cox leader of Three Rivers Labour councillors said: "I am sorry they have left, but fully understand their reasons for doing so."