Jeremy Corbyn has addressed those who commit hate crimes around the world with a powerful message of defiance at a London vigil for the victims of a mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.

Speaking at the London vigil for the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando at a gay club on Sunday, the Labour leader encouraged the LGBT+ community to stick together.

Speaking to PinkNews, he said: “My message is to all the readers of PinkNews – this is a fantastic turn out of people in London and other cities around the country just showing that they’re determined that the real message to those who commit hate crimes is – we will defeat them with love and solidarity and support.”

Thousands gathered at the vigil to join hands and hold moments of silence in solidarity with the community in Orlando, and all of the victims of the shooting which took place at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

Across the UK and around the world vigils took place in cities and towns, and gatherings will take place throughout the week to show solidarity with those in Orlando.

50 people were killed and 53 injured yesterday in the shocking terrorist hate crime attack, which saw a gunman open fire inside The Pulse gay bar in Orlando, Florida.

ISIS has since claimed responsibility for the attack, which was perpetrated by US citizen Omar Mateen. The majority of the victims were Latino.

Watch the message from the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn below:

In a statement, President Obama mourned the victims of the homophobic hate crime attack and called for greater restrictions on arms sales.

In response, Republican nominee Donald Trump said Obama should resign for failing to rally against Islam in his comments.