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Corbyn shares platform with controversial student leader

Bouattia praised Mr Corbyn, but also attacked the Labour party for  “structural racism” – without mentioning the party’s own issue with antisemitism

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Jeremy Corbyn has appeared alongside Malia Bouattia, the controversial former student leader, at an event in Parliament.

The Labour party leader attended the event, described as a “Manifesto Discussion” in Portcullis House, on Tuesday, and sat on a panel with Ms Bouattia, the former president of the National Union of Students.

She used her speech to praise Mr Corbyn, but also attacked the Labour party for  “structural racism” – without mentioning the party’s own issue with antisemitism.

According to the website Guido Fawkes, Mr Corbyn was not billed to speak at the event.

Ms Bouattia, who was elected president of the NUS in April 2016, was the subject of allegations of antisemitism during her tenure, particularly for referring to her university, Birmingham, as “something of a Zionist outpost,”.

During her time as president she received an open letter from Jewish societies in 48 universities, urging her to explain the accusations of antisemitism made against her.

She was also singled out for criticism by the Commons’ Home Affairs Select Committee, in October and accused of “failing to take sufficiently seriously the issue of antisemitism on university campuses.”

Other Labour party MPs in attendance at Tuesday evening’s event included John McDonnell and Chris Williamson.

Mr Williamson gave a speech in which he said he wanted Mr Corbyn to “paint Number 10’s door red” if they win the next election.

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