Jeremy Corbyn described a last minute re-write of Norwich MP Clive Lewis' defence speech as 'perfectly normal' claiming the pair had embraced and had a cup of tea after the row.

The shadow defence secretary's speech to the party conference was overshadowed after it emerged that a senior aide to the leader had changed the autocue while the MP was on stage to leave open the possibility of a party policy change over whether to renew Britain's nuclear deterrent.

Mr Lewis had been expected to indicate that despite being a campaigner for nuclear disarmament, he was willing to stick with the official Labour Party policy to support its renewal.

Reports circulated that he had punched the wall after the change - something he later denied.

Questioned on the row today Mr Corbyn said: 'We discussed the contents of the statement with Clive Lewis before it was made and we agreed on some changes. He went on stage quite early. I suspect it happens quite a lot actually.

'There was an agreement reached on the wording to be used and that's what was in the speech. We are under a lot of pressure of time, lots of things to do.

He told Five News: 'I had a good chat with Clive afterwards and we had a man-hug and a cup of tea and he invited me to Norwich and I'm going.

'Changes were made and he is going to be continuing the defence review which was started by Emily, and e is going to the UN ban nuclear weapons conference in New York.'