Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has told those who attended the March for Our Lives protests that while he respects their views on gun control, he does not “agree with all of the solutions they propose”.

The Republican’s constituents include the survivors of last month’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 people dead.

Stoneman Douglas students took the stage in downtown Washington to urge members of Congress to pass stricter gun control laws, saying inaction would no longer be tolerated. The march in the nation’s capital was accompanied by hundreds of “sibling” protests in cities across the US.

“I commend those who today are peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights to march in favor of a gun ban,” Mr Rubio said in a statement.

He continued: “While I do not agree with all of the solutions they propose, I respect their views and recognise that many Americans support certain gun bans. However, many other Americans do not support a gun ban. They too want to prevent mass shootings, but view banning guns as an infringement on the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens that ultimately will not prevent these tragedies.”

Mr Rubio went on to say that while “protests are a legitimate way of making a point, in our system of government, making a change requires finding common ground with those who hold opposing views.”

March for Our Lives – in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 March for Our Lives – in pictures March for Our Lives – in pictures Demonstrators chant during the protest for gun legislation and school safety AP March for Our Lives – in pictures Trevon ‘Tre’ Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the rally AP March for Our Lives – in pictures Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the rally AFP/Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures Protestors line the streets in Washington Getty Images March for Our Lives – in pictures People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures Protestors carrying placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures Protestors hold up placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures Schoolchildren wear targets ahead of the rally Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures Attendees congregate in preparation for the march Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures Students brought a host of innovative placards AFP/Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures The movement’s main demand is the banning of assault rifles Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures Since the Florida shooting, students have called for urgent gun reform AFP/Getty March for Our Lives – in pictures In the wake of the Florida attack, President Donald Trump called for teachers to be armed AFP/Getty

The Stoneman Douglas students have frequently criticised Mr Rubio for accepting campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association, one of the most powerful gun-rights lobbying groups.

On Saturday, students wore orange $1.05 price tags – the amount the NRA has contributed to Mr Rubio divided by the number of students in Florida. They says this is how much each student is worth to the two-term senator.