Oliver has written to the Chair of the British Medical Association, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, calling for the Association to respect the practices of religious groups when reviewing guidelines over non-therapeutic circumcision.

The call came as the British Medical Association conducts its latest periodic review of these guidelines.

Speaking this week, Oliver said: ‘Male circumcision is an ancient part of numerous religions and, in their letters to me, many of my constituents of these faiths have expressed their concerns over potential new restrictions on the practice in the United Kingdom.

‘These were brought in to focus by the announcement that a bill proposing a ban on such ritual circumcisions has been introduced in the Icelandic Parliament.

‘I share these concerns and have urged the British Medical Association to take full account of them when conducting their review so that British families may continue to raise their children according to their cultural background and religious beliefs.

‘I look forward to the outcome of the BMA’s review in due course.’