A network of pro-Israel trade unionists has held its inaugural meeting to discuss combating boycotts.

Around 50 delegates representing 15 unions from across Britain met in London on Sunday for the networking and strategy session.

Speakers at the meeting included Labour peer Lord Glasman who called on unions to strengthen their links with Israel's Histadrut general federation of workers.

Participants discussed their experiences of challenging boycotts and delegitimisation of Israel among trade unions.

Roger Lyons, chair of Trade Union Friends of Israel (Tufi) also spoke, as did Histadrut international development director Avital Shapira, and Eric Lee of Trade Unions Linking Israel and Palestine.

The event was organised by Tufi and the We Believe in Israel group whose director Luke Akehurst said turning back the tide of boycotts and delegitimisation of Israel in the unions was a major priority.