Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn has sparked a row by saying he would consult on the idea of women-only carriages on trains.

It has been suggested the segregation could be a way of guarding against sex attacks, and the Islington North MP has said he would seek women’s views on it if he wins his party’s election.

The idea, which has been raised after figures showing the number of sex offences on Britain's railways increased last year, has been condemned by rival Labour leadership contenders and anti-sexism campaigners.

Laura Bates, of the Everyday Sexism Project, said Mr Corbyn's plan to consult with women was "the way forward", but she was strongly against the proposal.

She said: "In terms of the issue itself, I think it would be a real step backwards.

"It sends the message that harassment is inevitable, perpetrators are unable to help themselves and women should simply find a way round it."

Ms Bates added that it could exacerbate a culture of blaming the victims of sexual attacks.

"Imagine if a woman is assaulted in a mixed carriage if a women-only carriage is available," she said.

Senior Tory MP Sarah Wollaston also voiced her opposition to women-only carriages.

The health select committee chairwoman tweeted: "Segregating women on public transport doesn't protect anyone, it just normalises unacceptable attitudes."

Yvette Cooper, one of the four candidates for the Labour leadership, said: "Segregation to 'keep women safe' is turning the clock back, not tackling the problem. We shouldn't have to shut ourselves away from men for our own safety.

"The staff needed to enforce the segregated carriages should be keeping all the carriages safe instead."

Leadership rival Liz Kendall said: "Everyone should be able to travel without fear of physical or verbal attacks, and we have much to do as a society to reach that point.

"However, I don't believe that gender segregation is the answer. That would be an admission of defeat, rather than a sustainable solution."

And Andy Burnham, the other Labour leadership contender, dismissed the suggestion of women-only carriages.

He said: "In this day and age, we shouldn't be even considering the idea of segregated train travel. As a dad of two young girls, I want to see a proper society-wide strategy on tackling violence against women.

"We need sufficiently funded police forces, especially the British Transport Police, and investment in practical measures like better lighting to ensure safety at all times."

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David Sidebottom, passenger director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: "Generally it is very safe to travel by train - almost eight in 10 passengers are satisfied with their personal security.

"Passengers tell us that they feel the best deterrent against crime is a visible staff and police presence on trains and at stations.

"Passengers will welcome the continued efforts of British Transport Police and the rail industry to reduce assaults on public transport and to encourage more of us to report incidents."

Transport minister Claire Perry last year indicated she was interested in exploring the idea of women-only carriages, which are in operation in Japan, India, Brazil and other countries.

She said she was determined to do ''whatever we have to'' to reverse the increase in sex crimes and boost safety.

''They have introduced women-only seating in Japan because there is a particular problem with groping and low-level violence,'' she said.

''It is a very interesting question and I will look at all ideas.''

What do you think? Would you welcome women-only train carriages? Would they help keep women safer? Wouldn’t it be sexist towards men and send out the message that all men are deemed to be potential gropers? Add your comments below or tweet us @local_london