AN MP has accused David Cameron of "failing to grasp" basic aspects of Islam in a strongly worded letter to the Prime Minister.

Bradford West MP Naz Shah (Lab) criticised Mr Cameron after she was sent an invitation to a food and drink reception held in Downing Street last night to celebrate Eid which was taking place today.

Ms Shah called the timing of the reception insensitive, pointing out the majority of Muslims would either be celebrating with family the night before Eid or fasting. She compared it to holding a Christmas party for work colleagues on the evening of Christmas Eve.

In an email to Mr Cameron, Ms Shah said: "By holding an Eid reception on what is effectively 'Eid Eve' on the day of Hajj when many Muslims will be fasting and when most people want to be with their families, you have demonstrated how out of touch you really are.

"You continue in failing to grasp the very basic aspects of Muslim cultural life and your approach is insensitive and is not conducive to promoting dialogue and understanding."

Ms Shah told the Telegraph & Argus today she had yet to receive a response, adding: "A lot of Muslims would have been fasting at the time, five people in my family were fasting. It just demonstrates how much he doesn't know about Islam."

The MP, who ousted George Galloway in a landslide election victory in May, has also criticised the PM's office for referring to her as Nazir Shah on the invite, a man's name.

Her letter adds: "I'm sure you are aware I do not conform to gender stereotypes, I would value being addressed in my own name, not a male name."

A spokesman for Mr Cameron's office told the Telegraph & Argus the Prime Minister would be responding personally to Ms Shah's criticisms.