Phillips said that she wasn’t downplaying the significance of Brexit or suggesting that the government shouldn’t be spending time on its negotiations with the EU. However, she does believe that it is distracting MPs from important social issues, something that causes her “deep sadness”.

“Of course Brexit is important, and giving it lots of energy is important,” she said. “But we shouldn’t ignore the fact that while our eye is off the ball, people are suffering because we cannot make legislation that would improve things for them.”

Phillips’ comments were made during the first episode of Stylist’s new political TV series Women of the House.

The brand new show – launched ahead of the 100th anniversary of women in the UK being allowed to stand for election for the first time – is part of Stylist’s Visible Women campaign, and is designed to give female MPs a collaborative and good-humoured space to discuss the political issues that matter most to them.

Phillips appeared on the show alongside SNP MP Hannah Bardell, Conservative Kemi Badenoch and Sky News presenter Isabel Webster.

Find out more about Women of the House and watch the full first episode here.

Stylist’s Visible Women campaign aims to raise the profiles of women in politics – and inspire future generations to follow their lead. See more Visible Women stories here.

Labour MP Jess Phillips says women’s rights are being damaged because of Brexit