The founder of a hardline Islamic lobbying organisation who has previously made insensitive remarks about Jews was invited to address civil servants.

The Times revealed that Sufyan Ismail, the founder of Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) had been invited to speak by the Civil Service Muslim Network in Whitehall on the subjects of Islamophobia and racism.

Mr Ismail stood down as Mend’s chief executive in 2016. He had previously sparked anger when he claimed that after MPs voted to recognise Palestine it was the first vote to be lost by the Israel lobby in 300 years.

Mend said the group and Mr Ismail “condemn all forms of antisemitism”.

He previously funded advocacy group Cage, one of whose leaders described Mohammed Emwazi - who became known as the terrorist Jihadi John - as a “beautiful young man”.

Sara Khan, the commissioner for countering extremism, has accused Mend of being a divisive organisation with some staff who have engaged in hate.

The Civil Service seminar is due to take place on Thursday.

David Toube of the think tank Quilliam said: “Civil servants should be actively engaged in disrupting the activities of this organisation, not hosting its founder as an honoured guest.”

On Monday The Times reported that the event had been scrapped. The government said: “This invitation should never have been issued.”