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Labour's general election manifesto was signed off "unanimously" tonight after a meeting of party chiefs lasting more than six hours.

The "transformative" document is expected to promise nationalised mail, rail, water, energy and broadband, free NHS prescriptions and six years' free adult education in England, and a £10 minimum wage for all over 16.

But unions and some of Labour's front bench were split before the Clause V meeting over key issues - including immigration.

Moments after the meeting tonight it was still unclear what agreement had been reached on freedom of movement after Brexit .

A row had also been raging beforehand over the exact terms of Labour's Green New Deal, union sources said.

The full manifesto will only be published on Thursday at its launch after being leaked in full to the Mirror in 2017.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said the discussions went "very well indeed", adding that they were "ready to go to war as soon as possible".

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said the meeting was "good", while many others declined to share details ahead of the official launch.

(Image: PA)

Jeremy Corbyn said as the meeting ended: “We’ve just had a very extensive meeting of our party’s national executive, Shadow Cabinet and other people as well.

“And we’ve reached unanimous agreement on the contents of our manifesto which will be published next week.

“That manifesto is a transformative document that will change the lives of the people of this country for the better.

“It will be a once-in a generation opportunity to vote for a more egalitarian society that cares for all and I’m very proud of the contents of it and I can’t wait to take those contents and it’s promise of a better Britain to everyone all around this country during our election campaign.”

Asked if the manifesto was more radical than in 2017, Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery said it was.

After leaving the central London meeting, he told BBC News: "This is the best manifesto you are likely to see.

"I wish I could tell you what was discussed and what the new policies are. They are very exciting and I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday when all will be revealed.

"We sorted all problems and it was fantastic. Everybody was up for it, very amicable, good discussions, good debate, very lengthy because we have got a great manifesto."

(Image: PA)

Today's meeting was shrouded in secrecy as attendees had their phones confiscated to prevent leaks and were told to use one emergency phone guarded by a Labour staffer.

One source suggested shadow cabinet ministers had not even seen final drafts of their own sections.

Unlike the Tory manifesto Labour's is agreed by the shadow cabinet, ruling NEC, PLP committee, Scottish and Welsh leaders and union reps in a mammoth meeting before election day.

Mr Corbyn arrived to protesters chanting " Labour party hear us say - free movement here to stay" at 10.30am in central London.

(Image: PA)

Labour's Party conference last month passed a radical motion to "maintain and extend free movement rights", "ensure unconditional right to family reunion" and "reject any immigration system based on incomes, migrants’ utility to business, and number caps/targets".

But party chiefs have repeatedly indicated the policy - which the Tories falsely claim is axing all immigration controls - will not pass into the manifesto intact.

A union source told the Mirror unions were also split, with Unite and the CWU pushing for a firmer line including protections for workers' rights while the TSSA and Unison wanted a more open policy.

The Clause V meeting was due to open with an introduction by NEC chair Andi Fox followed by a presentation on the "political context" from Jeremy Corbyn.

The manifesto was then due to be introduced one section at a time - including on the economy, NHS, education, police, migration, housing and a second referendum on Brexit.

Changes to the text can only be made if there is a consensus including Mr Corbyn and the relevant member of the shadow cabinet. If that consensus doesn't exist, the issue can be pushed to a vote.

The final manifesto would then be approved on a simple show of hands.