David Cameron: Orlando massacre was an evil act of homophobic hatred
The UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron has described the Orlando massacre as an “evil” act of homophobic hatred.
The Orlando massacre saw 49 people killed and 53 injured in a mass shooting at the Pulse gay bar in Orlando over the weekend.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, David Cameron paid tribute to the victims.
He said: “I know the whole house will join me in sending our profound sympathies to the family and friends of the 49 people who died in the horrific attack in Orlando on Sunday.
“This was an evil attack of terrorism and homophobic hatred, and we utterly condemn both of them.
“This attack, along with the callous murder of a French police couple on Monday, is a stark reminder of the challenge we face to defeat the poisonous ideology of Daesh (ISIS), both online and on our streets.
“I believe that together, with our friends, our allies and our common values, we will prevail.”
Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn, who attended a vigil for the victims in Soho on Monday night, also paid tribute.
He said: “I concur and join with the Prime Minister in his remarks about the terrible deaths in Orlando.
“On Monday I joined a vigil of thousands of LGBT people in London to mourn the deaths of the 49, and also I want to say: we say thank you to people all over this country, who attended vigils on Monday night to show their concern and horror.
“Quite simply, we defeat such atrocities with our love and our solidarity, and we need to send that message out.”
As the last session of Prime Minister’s Questions before the referendum, it may be the last such appearance for one or both of the leaders – who could face leadership challenges in the event of a Brexit vote.
The PM was absent on business on Monday, when MPs held a minute of silence in memory of the victims.
Mr Corbyn delivered a message to PinkNews readers at the London vigil on Monday night.
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.”
