The truth behind Jeremy Corbyn's new 'Independence Alliance'

The five members put the group, as a bloc, on par with Reform and the Democratic Unionist Party in Parliament.

The group has also reached out to seven Labour MPs who were suspended from parliamentary party for six months after voting in favour of abolishing the two-child benefit cap.

With Labour's majority of nearly 180, Corbyn's band of independents are unlikely to impact Starmer although the group says it hopes the five MPs will be given more time in parliament to ask questions and join debates.

Nevertheless, the alliance are unlikely to be able to join in debates as the only parties given particular privileges are His Majesty's Official Opposition, the Tories and the third largest party, the Lib Dems.

Out of the twenty days in each parliamentary session set aside for debates on subjects chosen by other parties in government, 17 are at the disposal of the Opposition and three are at the disposal of the leader of the second opposition party.

The Independent Alliance are also not likely to get any special opportunity to win attention at Prime Minister's Questions every Wednesday as other groups outside of the three largest parties are not granted additional status or consideration.

So what are the Independent Alliance all about? It is clear that the five members of the group agree on some broadly left-wing policies.

The group are opposed to scrapping the winter fuel allowance, and the two-child benefit cap, and is against ignoring calls to end arms sales to Israel.

Mostly the group seem to be united by the current conflict in Gaza and are clear advocates for the Palestinian cause.

For many of them, that is what motivated them to stand for Parliament and is what likely encouraged a considerable number of voters to endorse them.

In a joint statement, the MPS said: "We were elected by our constituents to provide hope in a parliament of despair.

“Already, this government has scrapped the winter fuel allowance for around 10 million pensioners, voted to keep the two-child benefits cap, and ignored calls to end arms sales to Israel.

LATEST FROM MEMBERSHIP:

• 'Will the £8,000 I hold for funeral costs count against Pension Credit claim?’
• How long Lucy Connolly could face in jail after pleading guilty for an X post on day of Southport stabbings
• 'Electric cars can’t succeed without taxpayer subsidies - UK manufacturing is on its knees'

“Millions of people are crying out for a real alternative to austerity, inequality and war – and their voices deserve to be heard."

They concluded: “Our door is always open to other MPs who believe in a more equal and peaceful world.”

It is understood that the new alliance are also not expected to receive Short money, which is funding opposition parties receive for parliamentary work.

Although the new group is entitled to associate freely like any other collection of Members of Parliament, they are unlikely to be a significant force in the Commons.

This is partly because of the rules and procedures and because they are so few in number, therefore, they may not be wholly successful in giving their cause a voice.