Jeremy Corbyn refuses to answer a question about Syria during press conference
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eremy Corbyn refused to take questions about Syria at a press conference today as members of the audience shouted at journalists to be quiet.
The Labour leader blocked reporters from asking about anything other than small business in an unusual move which prompted concerns about freedom of the press.
Asked for his views on the Syrian conflict by the BBC's Mark Lobel Mr Corbyn stepped out from behind the podium on stage to warn he would not accept questions on anything but business, adding that he had agreed to do interviews afterwards where he would take other questions.
Mr Lobel's intervention prompted audience members to shout "no" and one was heard to swear at the reporter despite his calls to ask about both Syria and business.
It is a long-standing convention of press conferences that reporters are allowed to ask topical questions and press aides often ask what subjects may be covered beforehand to ensure politicians are prepared.
Mr Corbyn said that his advisors had already told journalists not to ask anything other than questions about his speech, which focused on what holds small business owners back.
However it came just moments after Mr Corbyn's aides told the press they would be free to ask questions on any topic, even taking notes on what questions were likely to come up.
Mr Corbyn did not intervene.
Instead he later addressed the question by sarcastically saying it was "very helpful" and adding that polls are published all the time.
The exchanges prompted the policy director of the FSB to take to the stage after Mr Corbyn's speech ended and stand up for reporters, telling the audience they "have a job to do" and adding that questions were "legitimate".
It follows an interview with an ITV journalist last week in which Mr Corbyn lost his temper and accused reporters of being "obsessed" with his leadership after a question about whether he has the support of his MPs.
During the press conference Mr Corbyn joked about handing a "donation" to HM Revenue and Customs after being charged a fine for filing his tax return late.
He was speaking at the Federation of Small Businesses about Labour's plans to help people get on.
Mr Corbyn said: "There has clearly been a bias here in the approach of the Government.
"A bias against small business.
"Labour will have a different bias."
He also highlighted the party's commitment to increasing low wages to £10 per hour by 2020.
However minutes after the speech ended the FSB put out a press release warning about the plan.
Mike Cherry, the FSB national chairman, said: “FSB supported the introduction of the Minimum Wage.
"Most of our members already paid all their staff in excess of the latest rise to the National Living Wage, however some firms are now struggling as the rate ratchets up, especially in sectors with tight margins such as elderly care, childcare, and hospitality.
"When adding in other recent cost pressures on small firms, the cost of doing business is at its highest level for three years.
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