Independent's John Rentoul Criticised After Jeremy Corbyn Paris Attack Comment

Corbyn Supporters Threaten Newspaper Boycott After Journalist's Paris Tweet

The Independent's John Rentoul has apologised for a remark suggesting Jeremy Corbyn would blame France for Friday's terror attacks in Paris.

As details emerged of the deadliest violence in Paris since the Second World War, the columnist tweeted at 10pm on Friday, writing: "Will (Jeremy) Corbyn say France made itself a target?"

He was accused of trying to politicise the issue before the full facts of the event were known.

"I wrote a post on Twitter last night that I regret, and for which I apologise," he wrote on the Independent's website.

Many were quick to criticise Rentoul and to lambast the newspaper.

Corbyn also said he expected increased security around London in light of the attacks. "We need to find out exactly what's happened and then discuss and decide how we deal with this to bring about peace and security for everyone."

In another Twitter faux pas, blogger and author Toby Young wrote that the European Schengen border agreement could be scrapped should the attacks be linked to German football fans.

He too has since deleted the tweet.

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR:

  • At least 127 dead, and fears death toll could be around 140
  • At least five locations targeted in suicide bombings and shootings
  • Around 80 slain at Bataclan concert theatre after hostage situation
  • Restaurants, football stadium attacked in night of horror
  • Police leave cancelled and around 1,500 soldiers mobilised
  • French border controls increased, state of emergency declared
  • Eight extremists killed, all attackers thought to be dead
  • Manhunt under way for accomplices
  • David Cameron to chair meeting of Government Cobra committee
FRANCE-ATTACKS-PARIS

GRAPHIC WARNING: Paris attacks

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