GOVERNMENT minister Jim Fitzpatrick took time off from the week’s controversy over walking out of a Muslim wedding to spend time in his East London constituency unveiling a minibus for a neighbours’ charity. The MP, who has been under fire in a row about refusing to be segregated from his wife at the East London Muslim Centre, took refuge on the Isle of Dogs

GOVERNMENT minister Jim Fitzpatrick took time off from the week’s controversy over walking out of a Muslim wedding to spend time in his East London constituency unveiling a minibus for a neighbours’ charity.

The Poplar & Cannng Town Labour MP, who has been under fire in a row about refusing to be segregated from his wife at the East London Muslim Centre last Sunday, took refuge on the Isle of Dogs for the bus presentation.

He was with his wife Sheila (pictured far right) to officially hand over the minibus to Sister Christine Frost (centre) for her Neighbours in Poplar charity.

The bus has been paid for by a �26,000 grant from Isle of Dogs Community Fund, using planning gain’ cash from developers who have changed the face of Docklands in the 40 years Sister Christine has run her neighbours’ organisation.

It has been adapted for wheelchair access for use by those with mobility difficulties to do their weekly shopping, replacing a vehicle that was nine years old and reaching the end of its roadworthy life.