Corbyn says he will not stand down as Labour leader

Jeremy Corbyn insisted that he would not stand down as Labour leader as he said he would run again if a fresh contest leadership is held.

The Labour head faces a motion of no confidence from MPs whilst others in the party have publicly called for him to step down.

Asked by ITV News' Sophie Ridge whether he would run again in the event of a leadership contest he replied: "Yes, I'm here, thank you."

Mr Corbyn also defended himself from accusations that he had run a "lacklustre" campaign to remain within the EU which had failed to convince voters.

"I ran a campaign in which I travelled the length and breadth of this country," he said.

"I pointed out that there were difficulties with the European union - that's very obvious - but I also pointed out we would achieve better social protects, better levels of employment investment if we remained part of the European Union."

While many in Labour would like to see Mr Cobyn quit, more than 100,000 others have signed a petition offering a public "vote of confidence" in his leadership.

Mr Corbyn had not addressed the growing calls for him to stand down in a speech today outlining his vision for the party in the wake of the EU exit vote.

But he made it clear that he was not planning to stand aside as he outlined plans to bring Labour to the heart of efforts to heal splits within the UK and forge a new relationship with Europe.

"The whole country must come together in the wake of what became a very divisive referendum campaign discuss the consequences calmly and rationally and I want Labour to lead that debate," he said.

He also said the party must address public unease over immigration as he called for the party to move past "irresponsible debate...that accuses people of being Little Englanders or racists just for raising the issue."

Mr Corbyn also rejected calls for a second referendum, saying the UK must accept the result of the vote.

More than one million people have signed a petition urging that the vote be re-run.