ANDREW Smith, the Labour MP for Oxford East, has been criticised for sending out thousands of greetings cards marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Mr Smith got local councillors and helpers to dispatch some 2,000 cards to members of the Muslim community to celebrate the end of the Islamic fasting period.

The cards, which feature a Labour red rose and the words Eid Mubarak, or Blessed Eid, on the front and Mr Smith's printed signature on the inside, are a gift from the 'New Labour' team in Oxford.

But the MP has been criticised for appearing to single out the Muslim community - by a Muslim city councillor.

Tia MacGregor, who represents Quarry & Risinghurst, said: "My parents received one of Mr Smith's cards and, as a Muslim, I'd say it's a nice idea. I hope Mr Smith can take as much trouble to send out Christmas cards as he has with these Eid cards - unless, of course, he does think some religious festivals are more important than others."

Mr Smith said: "We will be sending out Christmas cards, greetings and newsletters and, I am sure, for the Chinese new year, too. I do what I do because I think it's the right thing to do. I am very relaxed about this."

Taj Hargey, chairman of the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford, said: "It's a naked attempt to curry favour with the Muslim voters in East Oxford.

"We have to be consistent - no religion should be granted privileged status."