Jeremy Corbyn heckled for skipping Labour Friends of Israel reception

The Labour leader opted not to attend to prepare his keynote speech but was later spotted addressing crowds at a nearby party

Manifesto would ‘not have been possible without Jeremy’, Gardiner says (AFP)

Jeremy Corbyn has been heckled by activists for skipping a pro-Israel reception amid a continuing row over anti-Semitism within the Labour Party.

Close ally Emily Thornberry said the party leader had snubbed the Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) conference event to prepare for his keynote speech but footage emerged of him addressing crowds at The Mirror’s annual bash on the same night.

Attendees shouted, "Where is he?" and "Why isn't he here?" when the group’s chair, Labour MP Joan Ryan, said Mr Corbyn had sent a statement to be read out rather than attend, according to PoliticsHome.

It comes as allegations of anti-Jewish sentiment cast a shadow over the four-day conference, prompting delegates to vote to ensure members can be expelled for voicing anti-Semitic views.

Ms Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, told the event: “Just so that there's no misunderstanding, Jeremy is not attending any of these receptions this evening because he has a big speech tomorrow ... but I also know there's been a great deal of wrestling with Jeremy and Jeremy's diary to ensure he doesn't spend a whole evening going from one event to another."

However Mr Corbyn was later spotted at the Mirror’s conference party, just a short walk away from the LFI reception in Brighton.

In his statement to the LFI reception, Mr Corbyn said: "The next Labour government will ensure Britain leads the way in promoting dialogue between countries and peoples so that we see real advances towards peace, security and justice in the Middle East and across the world.

"Labour will continue to campaign for peace through a two-state solution, a secure Israel alongside a secure and viable Palestinian state. I look forward to working with you all to achieve that together, enjoy the rest of the reception and conference."