Jeremy Corbyn, the MP for Islington North

ISLINGTON North MP Jeremy Corbyn has formed an alliance with four other independent members of parliament, hoping to strengthen their opposition to austerity and war in a “parliament of despair”.

The five members of this new parliamentary group, the Independent Alliance, will now have the same number of MPs as Reform UK and Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). By operating as a formal group – although distinct from a political party – they are more likely to be allocated regular question and speaking slots in the Commons, and be added to a rota reserved for “smaller parties” to ask questions at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Mr Corbyn told the Tribune: “I was elected by my constituents to speak up on their behalf for social justice and peace. That includes scrapping the two-child benefit cap, implementing rent controls, keeping the winter fuel allowance, defending the rights of refugees and demanding an end to the occupation of Palestine.

“These demands are being made by people in Islington North and beyond. The formation of this group is about making sure these demands are properly represented. A collective voice is a stronger voice. As a united group we can speak out on these issues with greater effect.”

As well as the former Labour leader, the Independent Alliance includes MP for Leicester South Shockat Adam, MP for Birmingham Perry Barr Ayoub Khan, MP for Blackburn Adnan Hussain and MP for Dewsbury and Batley Iqbal Mohamed.

In a joint statement that similarly criticised the government’s approach to issues like the two-child benefit cap and the continued sale of arms to Israel, they said: “We were elected by our constituents to provide hope in a Parliament of despair.

“Millions of people are crying out for a real alternative to austerity, inequality and war – and their voices deserve to be heard.

“The more MPs who are prepared to stand up for these principles, the better. Our door is always open to other MPs who believe in a more equal and peaceful world.”

In July, all five members of the Independent Alliance supported a motion to scrap the two-child benefit cap, along with seven Labour MPs who defied the government in doing so and subsequently had the whip suspended.

The independent MPs were not formally allied at that time, but they penned a collective letter to those Labour dissenters that said: “It is beyond disgraceful that you have been punished for voting to alleviate child poverty.

“The decision puts party before country and displays a shameful absence of moral leadership. “As the two major parties fail to defend the bold changes this country desperately needs, we will be there to offer a real alternative – and to defend a society that cares for each other and cares for all.”