Jeremy Corbyn’s first official speech in Stevenage since becoming Labour leader has been cancelled today in the wake of last night’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

https://twitter.com/NadineDorriesMP/status/665310134797643776

The MP for Islington North was due to speak at the East of England Labour Party Regional Conference in Stevenage, but a spokesman for the party told the Comet this morning that the speech would not be going ahead ‘in light of the events in Paris’ – where it is being reported at least 127 people were killed last night by gunmen and suicide bombers.

The spokesman said the Labour leader may still attend the conference, which started this morning at a town centre venue, but that it would now be a private event and not open to members of the media.

Mr Corbyn, who visited Stevenage in August for a BBC Radio 5 live Labour leadership hustings event, was due to speak at the conference just before midday.

French President Francois Hollande has this morning described the Paris attacks as an “act of war” organised by Islamic State, and last night Mid Bedfordshire MP Nadine Dorries took to Twitter to call for action.

She said: “Monday (and no later) is the time to rerun that crucial vote on bombing IS territory in Syria. #Paris”.