Jewish and Muslim leaders have criticised Conservative MEPs for voting against measures to censure Hungary, saying it was deeply worrying that they had declined to condemn the repressive policies of the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán.

The European parliament voted on Wednesday to trigger the EU’s most serious disciplinary procedures due to policies in Hungary to reduce judicial independence and boost control over the media, as well as concerns about corruption.

It was the first use of a so-called article 7 procedure against a member state, which could, if pursued, see Hungary stripped of its voting rights in the EU. It was narrowly passed by the necessary two-thirds majority, with the Conservatives almost alone among centre-right parties opposing it.

While the Conservative group argued the plan was counterproductive and would strengthen Orbán domestically, the Board of Deputies of British Jews (BoD) and the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) condemned the decision.

Marie van der Zyl, president of the BoD, said it was “very concerning that Conservative party MEPs chose to defend Hungary’s appalling track record rather than supporting a motion to uphold the rule of law”.

She said: “As we have stated previously, we are very alarmed by the messages at the heart of Orbán’s election campaign, including his comments about ‘Muslim invaders’, calling migrants ‘poison’, and the vivid antisemitism in the relentless campaign against Jewish philanthropist George Soros.

“This whipping up of prejudice by the Hungarian government, alongside restrictions on press freedom and the independence of the judiciary, must be stopped before it undermines Hungary’s democracy irreversibly.”

The MCB’s secretary general, Harun Khan, said: “At a time when there are growing concerns about the rise of the far-right across Europe, it is deeply disappointing that Conservative party MEPs were whipped to align themselves with far-right parties in supporting Mr Orbán.

“One can only hope that the rights of Muslims and other minorities are not considered expendable as support is sought for the government’s Brexit position, as appears to have been the case with this vote.”

He added: “The Conservative party has thus far resisted calls to have an inquiry into Islamophobia amongst its ranks. This latest action raises further concerns of bigotry in the party.”

Khan said that the MCB “would like to specifically pay tribute” to Nosheena Mobarik, the one Conservative MEP who backed the motion.

Downing Street has argued that MEPs make their own decisions, distancing itself from the move.

Tory MEP Daniel Dalton tweeted that the vote against article 7 was “not an endorsement of Viktor Orbán”. His message was retweeted by Ashley Fox, leader of the Conservative delegation in the European parliament.

Our vote against #Article7 on #Hungary was not an endorsement of Viktor Orban. Accusations were in areas not covered by EU law, where Hungary is sovereign. #Article7 is a legal matter, by making it political, the EP has strengthened him domestically. — Daniel Dalton (@ddalton40) September 13, 2018

Jeremy Corbyn said the prime minister should speak out on the issue. He tweeted: “The Tories brought shame on the UK by backing Hungary’s far-right government in a crucial vote in Europe. Theresa May trying to sweep it under the carpet is disgraceful. The prime minister must apologise and explain why her party voted in the way it did.”