A newly elected Muslim MP is opposing calls to remove Christian prayers from the start of House of Commons sittings.

Independent MP Shockat Adam defended the tradition after nine MPs, including three new Labour members, argued that religious worship should not be part of the Commons' formal proceedings.

Since 1558, each Commons session has begun with a few minutes of private Christian prayer and reflection.

Last month, the Mail on Sunday reported that some newly elected Labour MPs had urged the Commons’ modernisation committee to scrap the practice, calling it outdated.

Last week, nine MPs, led by Labour’s Neil Duncan-Jordan, publicly called for the prayers to end.

In an early day motion, they argued that parliamentary meetings should be welcoming to all, regardless of personal beliefs. They claimed that the tradition conflicts with a society that values both freedom of religion and freedom from religion.

The MPs have urged the modernisation committee to explore alternative arrangements.

But last night, Leicester South MP Mr Adam - who was himself only elected last July - disagreed.

He told the Mail on Sunday: ‘Prayers in the House of Commons are part of our Christian heritage and Parliament’s traditions.

‘They’re not compulsory, so MPs have a choice whether to attend or not.

‘So I see no reason for them not to continue.’

He went on to say: "MPs of other faiths should be allowed to pray privately on the Parliamentary estate; they don't need to join in group prayers in the Chamber."

Veteran Conservative MP Sir John Hayes criticised the "arrogance" of "new kids in town" who wanted prayers to be discontinued last month, calling them out for their "lack of respect" for the Christian traditions of Parliament.

"Whether you believe in the divine or not, it's important to recognise our country is rooted in the Christian traditions," stated Sir John, who was first elected in 1997.

"That is what prayers serve as a reminder of."