Opposition to freedom of movement is driven by racism, a former Labour frontbencher and ally of Jeremy Corbyn has said.

Clive Lewis, the former shadow defence secretary, said immigration was an issue that the Left of the political spectrum found difficult to deal with.

He made the comments as he clashed with fellow Labour MP Caroline Flint who said people did not want Britain’s migration policy to be dictated by Brussels.

It came after the publication of a letter signed by more than 30 MPs, including Mr Lewis, calling on Labour to keep the UK in the Single Market and fight for continued freedom of movement.

Appearing on the Sunday with Niall Paterson programme on Sky News, Mr Lewis told Ms Flint: "I actually believe in freedom of movement. You are talking about managing migration.