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Labour has defended an election rally where men and women sat separately after UKIP leader Nigel Farage called the event "wholly unacceptable."

The rally in Birmingham was advertised as having a "women's section" and photos taken at the event show men and women sitting apart.

The party has been slammed by Conservative candidates who claim it contradicted Labour's values, while Mr Farage said it undermined a century of women's rights.

But a Labour spokesman insisted there was no 'forced segregation' and said: "Labour fully supports gender equality in all areas of society and all cultures."

Privately, one Labour figure told the Birmingham Mail the seating arrangements ensured women from Muslim communities could take part.

Speaking on radio station LBC, Mr Farage said: “It was a political Labour party meeting.

"Men sat on the right hand side and women sat on the left hand side.

"And if that is not giving in, if that is not turning our backs on a century or more of advancement for women’s rights, then I don’t know what is," he continued.

“I believe that’s got no place in modern civilised Britain. I want to know from the Labour Party, how in the name of your party can you have allowed that to have happened?”

A Labour spokesman said: “Labour fully supports gender equality in all areas of society and all cultures.

“Equally, we support those who are breaking down barriers where inequality remains.”

A statement added: “There was no forced segregation. Speakers at the event included both women and men. Everyone was together in one room and all were treated equally and respectfully. ”

Labour MPs and candidates have previously turned down requests to speak at events due to be attended by a largely Muslim audience because only men were invited.

(Image: Sion Simon)

But they supported Saturday's rally after a female Muslim councillor ensured women were able to attend, the source said.

The event was attended by high-profile Labour politician Tom Watson, who is contesting the seat of West Bromwich East.

Also attending were Birmingham and Black Country Labour candidates Jack Dromey, Liam Byrne, Khalid Mahmood, Shabana Mahmood and Jess Phillips.

West Midlands Labour MEP Sion Simon, a former Birmingham MP, also attended - and tweeted out photos of the event which showed men and women sitting separately.

Publicity material published in advance showed that it was organised by Birmingham councillor Ansar Ali Khan and made it clear the rally would have a "women's section"

This stated: “Councillor Mariam Khan is organising a women’s section for jalsa [rally] and is inviting all women to attend.”