Virendra Sharma, the Indian-origin MP, revealed on Tuesday that he had to receive hospital treatment after going down with coronavirus.

Sharma, 72, who has represented Ealing Southall in northwest London since winning the constituency in a by-election in 2007, said: “Following my light coronavirus symptoms early last week, my condition deteriorated and I was hospitalised.”

Sharma’s constituency, not far from Heathrow airport, has one of the largest concentrations of Indians in the UK.

He said: “I have now been discharged from hospital and I am recovering well at home. At Hillingdon Hospital I tested positive for coronavirus, and had some trouble breathing, and so was hospitalised for a week.

“My care was exceptional, and I want to pay an enormous tribute to all the staff at Hillingdon Hospital and across the NHS, working so hard, and doing so much at this time of immense pressure.

“Now I am back home again and self-isolating, and following all the NHS and government advice.

“I want to urge everyone else to do the same. Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

He emphasised: “The amazing men and women of the NHS working in almost impossible situations, with too little kit and too little support deserve our help. I am asking everyone of you to do what you can to help them. If you have PPE (personal protection equipment) please let us know.”

He added: “Many people also have friends and family stranded abroad, and this is very worrying for everyone involved. Please rest assured I have been liaising with the foreign office on this matter, and my staff continued to work on this while I was in hospital. We have had some positive developments on this, but it is not yet resolved for all.”