The former Labour politician Luciana Berger has joined the Liberal Democrats, becoming the second MP to join the party in a week.



The MP for Liverpool Wavertree and remain campaigner said the party is the only one that has proven to be “unequivocal in wanting to stop Brexit”.

In February she quit Labour over the party’s handling of antisemitism cases and its approach to Brexit alongside six other MPs to form fledging political grouping Change UK. The party split in the summer and she since been sitting as an independent.

Berger said: “This is a moment of national crisis. The Liberal Democrats are unequivocal in wanting to stop Brexit and are committed to securing Britain’s future as a tolerant, open and inclusive society.



“I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats today, in the national interest, to offer a vital, positive alternative to Johnson and Corbyn and help build a future that our country deserves.”

In an interview alongside Swinson in the Evening Standard, Berger said they had bonded in a WhatsApp group for MPs with babies.



Berger, who is Jewish, was a vocal opponent of Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of claims of antisemitism and said she no longer felt welcome within the party.



Labour members in her constituency attempted to hold a vote of no confidence in her while she was pregnant with her second child which was eventually called off after complaints were made to the Labour leadership.



Swinson said: “Luciana is a passionate advocate for women’s and LGBT+ rights, and she’s at the forefront of efforts to counter antisemitism and prevent discrimination.

“I’m delighted to welcome her to the Liberal Democrats, where we can work together to stop Brexit and build a fairer, more equal society for all.



“Luciana becomes the fourth MP in three months to cross the floor and join the Liberal Democrats. We’re thrilled to add her perspective, expertise and skills to our ever-growing parliamentary team.”

The Lib Dems now have 16 MPs in the Commons. The former Tory Phillip Lee joined on Tuesday, crossing the floor of the Commons while Boris Johnson was in the middle of a speech to MPs.