Paris Attacks: Jeremy Corbyn Condemns Violence And Rallies For Peace

Jeremy Corbyn Calls For Peace After 'Henious' Paris Attacks

Jeremy Corbyn has spoken out in the name of peace in the wake of tragic terror attacks in Paris, which have so far taken the lives of up to 127 people.

The Leader of the Opposition reacted to the distressing scenes from Friday evening, claiming they are an attack on fairness and inclusiveness.

"This the kind of attack on all of us who stand for the kind of fairness and inclusive societies that we all want to live in," the Labour leader said.

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."

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

During the attacks on Friday evening the politician took to Twitter to write his condolences, describing the acts as "henious and immoral":

This morning Corbyn postponed a keynote speech on UK foreign policy in the wake of the attacks. The Labour leader had been set to signal he would tear up Britain’s ‘special relationship’ with the United States with radical pledge to create a more ‘independent’ foreign policy if he becomes Prime Minister.

Corbyn, who has long campaigned against British involvement in US military campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, has in recent weeks spoken out against human rights abuses by China, Saudi Arabia and India.

In Paris the death toll at the Bataclan theatre, after gunmen took hostages, stood at around 100 on Saturday morning. French security forces raided the concert theatre, which was hosting an American rock band, killing two assailants. Speaking with The Guardian after escaping the Bataclan, a man described the scene as "carnage," adding there were "bodies everywhere."

After the terror attacks, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I am shocked by events in Paris tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help."

Meanwhile in Washington, President Barack Obama condemned the violence as an "attack on all of humanity." He said: "Once again, we've seen an outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians," he said. "This is an attack not just on Paris, it's attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share."

Close

What's Hot