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Jeremy Corbyn has suggested after-work drinks should be banned as they are 'sexist' and discriminate against mothers.

The Labour leader made the comments when launching his manifesto for women at Unison's office at an evening event, after which a drinks party was held.

Mr Corbyn said: ‘Early evening socialisation benefits men who don’t feel the need to be at home looking after their children, and it discriminates against women who will want to, obviously, look after the children that they have got.’

The manifesto features flagship ten pledges to advance gender equality for women, and tackle gendered violence and harassment.

Mr Corbyn said he believed there should be greater protection for women at work, including those who are pregnant or already have children, to end maternity discrimination.

He also expressed his support for all-women shortlists to boost the number of women in senior public sector roles and promised to recruit more women to the Labour party if he wins the upcoming leadership election.

Asked how he intended to win over any alienated female Labour MPs, he said: "I want to reach out to all members of the Labour Party and all members of the parliamentary party.

"I will send them all copies of the policies that we have put forward including this document we are putting forward this evening and try and show to them that we are serious about developing policies, we are serious about the inclusion of everyone within the Labour Party."

A spokesperson for the Jeremy for Labour campaign said Mr Corbyn was "clearly" not suggesting after-work drinks would be banned. They said: "He instead highlighted a concern among many women's groups and the head of the CBI that a male-led afterwork networking culture in some workplaces can be detrimental to the career progression of female co-workers who can feel excluded, especially those women with caring responsibilities."