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A Tory conference event featuring Jacob Rees-Mogg turned into chaos after protesters mobbed the high-profile backbencher.

Demonstrators holding up placards chanted "Tories out" at the packed meeting on Brexit.

Conservative supporters returned fire, shouting "Labour scum".

(Image: PA Wire)

Mr Rees-Mogg was mobbed by a couple of protesters who harangued him directly about his views on abortion.

The MP for North East Somerset, speaking from a lectern, appealed for calm.

He said: "Ladies and gentlemen, let us have a proper and thoughtful debate"

A 31-year-old from Manchester said: "I think it is very hypocritical that you profit from a drug that allows for abortions."

He replied: "That story is not true."

(Image: Sam Lister/PA Wire)

Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has proved to be one of the most popular guest speakers on the conference circuit, had arrived at the Bruges Group event on Brexit to enthusiastic cheers.

But as the meeting in the historic Great Hall in Manchester's town hall opened, the group appeared at the back of the packed room and began their chants.

Mr Rees-Mogg said: "I don't mind who stays in this hall or whether they agree with me or not."

After around five minutes the protest died down and the fringe event resumed.

(Image: PA Wire)

The backbencher said the demonstration showed the "glorious" exchange of views that can be had in a free country.

He said: "We should be really pleased that people want to come to our meetings and engage with our ideas.

"It's a glorious thing about our nation.

"We are a free country and we are not afraid of people holding other views to our own because we think we can win the battle of ideas.

(Image: PA Wire)

"We don't need to shout. We don't need to scream.

"We need calm, considered and deliberative discussion and then we can show Conservative ideas and values are best for this nation.

"Let's always be willing to engage with anybody who is willing to come to our meetings."