Jeremy Corbyn criticised for attendance at left-wing group's Passover event

Jeremy Corbyn has come in for fresh criticism over his attendance at an event organised by a controversial Jewish group.

The Labour leader took part in a Passover Seder just outside his Islington North constituency with the left-wing Jewdas organisation, which has said accusations of anti-Semitism against him are a smear.

It has also been highly critical of other Jewish organisations, some of whom have criticised the Labour leader for failing to tackle anti-Jewish sentiment in his party.

The gathering took place amid the ongoing anti-Semitism row which has engulfed Labour since it emerged Corbyn had once defended a mural featuring elderly Jewish men playing Monopoly on the back of oppressed workers.

That led to a demonstration outside Parliament by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council.

Labour MPs were among those who condemned Corbyn's decision to attend the Seder.

John Woodcock accused Corbyn on "deliberately baiting the mainstream Jewish community".

Gideon Falter, chairman of Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, said: "Following the events of the past few weeks and indeed the past three years, this is a very clear two fingered salute at mainstream British Jewry." 

A spokesman for Corbyn said: "Jeremy was invited to a Passover Seder with Jewish members of his local community.

"He wrote to the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council last week to ask for an urgent formal meeting to discuss tackling anti-Semitism in the Labour Party and in society."