Labour MP Jess Phillips has defended the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend four Labour MPs, saying that party unity had to be maintained and that they were elected “as a team under a banner and under a manifesto” and could “expect” to face disciplinary action if they did not vote with the government.

Jordan, Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff and Rachael Maskell have had the party whip removed, meaning the MPs will sit as independents in the House of Commons.