Labour crisis deepens as Corbyn comes under fire for 'Islamic State' remark

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has come under fire in a fresh row over Israel after he appeared to compare the Israeli state to jihadi terrorists during the launch of a Labour party inquiry into anti-Semitism.

It comes as the Labour leader is facing increasing pressure from his party and the potential threat of a leadership challenge after a number of his cabinet quit over his handling of the Brexit campaign.

Presenting the report Mr Corbyn commented that: "Our Jewish friends are no more responsible for the actions of Israel or the Netanyahu government than our Muslim friends are for those of various self-styled Islamic states or organisations".

The comments, which were branded "offensive" by the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, were later denied by the Labour leader who when pressed on whether was likening the Israeli state with the jihadi group said "of course not".

Mr Corbyn responded: "The point in the report is you shouldn't say to somebody just because they are Jewish you must have an opinion on Israel any more than you would say to anyone who is a Muslim you must have an opinion on any vile actions that have been taken by misquoting the good name of Islam in what they do."