Jeremy Corbyn has condemned the Paris attacks as "horrific and immoral" but warned against any response that would "feed a cycle of violence".
The Labour leader cancelled his engagements - including a speech criticising British foreign policy - to be briefed by security officials about the attacks.
Mr Corbyn is now eligible for briefings on sensitive intelligence matters after being sworn in as a member of the Privy Council on Wednesday.
The Labour leader said: "Today, all our thoughts and sympathy are with the people of Paris.
"What took place in the French capital yesterday was horrific and immoral.
"We stand in solidarity with the people of France - as with all victims of terror and violence.
"I have cancelled my engagements today to hold discussions on events in France with shadow cabinet colleagues and be briefed by Downing Street security officials.
"It's vital at a time of such tragedy and outrage not to be drawn into responses which feed a cycle of violence and hatred.
"We are proud to live in a multicultural and multi-faith society, and we stand for the unity of all communities."
Among the engagements cancelled by Mr Corbyn was a speech to the east of England Labour conference in which he was expected to say: "For the past 14 years, Britain has been at the centre of a succession of disastrous wars that have brought devastation to large parts of the wider Middle East.
"They have increased, not diminished, the threats to our own national security in the process."
Earlier, Mr Corbyn said the world needs to "look for peace" in the wake of the attacks in Paris.
"We support them in the trauma they are going through," he said.
"Other cities have gone through this trauma in the past - Madrid, London, New York and other cities around the world. And of course there are many dying in wars around the world. We need to look for peace."
In a letter to French president Francois Hollande, Mr Corbyn said: "I write to express my deepest sympathy for the families and friends of those killed and injured in yesterday's horrific attacks in Paris, and our solidarity with the French people.
"Our whole country is shocked and appalled by these sickening and unjustifiable attacks on innocent civilians.
"And we stand united with your country in expressing our unequivocal condemnation of those involved in planning and carrying out these atrocities.
"The shocking events in Paris are a reminder to all of the ever-present threat of terrorism and indiscriminate violence.
"We will support every effort to bring to justice the perpetrators of these despicable acts."
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