This year we celebrate the 350th anniversary of the readmission of the Jews to England, writes Hendon MP ANDREW DISMORE.

Jews were first recorded in England in Norman times. They were subject to prejudice and worse, from the start.

In 1190, around 150 Jews lost their lives in York. In 1255, 18 were executed, after an infamous ritual murder libel in Lincoln. Both cities are now represented by Jewish MPs. In 1290, Edward I expelled the Jews from England. Small communities of Jews continued to live secretly in London, but for more than 350 years, Jews were unable to play any visible part in the life of our country. In September 1655, the Amsterdam-based Rabbi Menasseh ben Israel petitioned Oliver Cromwell to grant Jews the right to re-settle. The following year, Cromwell told the Jewish community it could live openly and he would protect it. I doubt Cromwell could have foreseen that one day, his Commons seat of Huntingdon would be held by a Jew, as it is today.

During the 18th Century, the Jewish presence in England continued to grow. London became home to one of the largest urban Jewish communities in Europe. From the 1880s more refugees arrived fleeing the pogroms of Poland and Russia.

Britain was not particularly receptive to Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. The notable exception was the Kindertransport, which on the eve of war rescued Jewish children (their parents were not given visas) from Germany.

Historically, anti-Semitism was tolerated and even encouraged, exemplified by stereotypes like Shakespeare's Shylock, through to Dickens' Fagin. Quite rightly, this attitude was resisted.

The Battle of Cable Street took place in 1936 a clash between the police, overseeing a march by the British Union of Fascists (BUF), and anti-fascists including local Jewish groups who erected barricades. After running battles, the BUF were dispersed. But anti-Semitism remains. 455 incidents were recorded in 2005 including 82 violent assaults.

Jews have contributed to our national life in so many ways. The first documented military contribution is from 1757, when Captain Schonfield commanded HMS Diana, supporting General James against the French at Quebec. In the First World War, 55,000 Jews enlisted; 1,100 decorations were won, including the first Jewish VC. In the Second World War, about 65,000 served. 3,000 gave their lives.

In 1847, Lionel de Rothschild was elected MP, but could not take the oath. After he had won four successive elections, this was amended, allowing him to become the first practising Jewish Member of Parliament.

Many household business names were founded by Jews, like Marks & Spencer, Tesco and ICI.

Lord Winston, the infertility treatment pioneer, leads a long list of Jewish scientists. Jews are represented throughout the arts and in sport.

Boxer Daniel Mendoza was heavyweight champion from 1792 until 1795, even though he was only 5ft 7in tall and only 11.5 stone. Harold Abrahams, the hero of Chariots of Fire was the 1924 Olympic 100m champion.

Ever since its return, the Jewish community has played a full part in our country's success in every field and has proved diversity does not mean division. We wish the Jewish community mazeltov' for its 350th anniversary.