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Jo Cox MP dies after attack in West Yorkshire – latest updates Labour MP Jo Cox dies after attack in West Yorkshire – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
6.14pm BST
18:14
Tributes are coming not only from politicians but from charities - Jo Cox worked in the humanitarian field for many years. The interim chief executive of Save the Children Tanya Steele said:
Our heartfelt thoughts are with the family of Jo Cox. She has been a great friend and supporter of Save the Children fighting for the rights of children here in the UK and around the world. As a member of Parliament, she was an outspoken advocate for the children of Syria. At this terrible time, our sincere condolences go to Jo’s husband Brendan who was Save the Children’s director of policy and advocacy until last year.
6.10pm BST
18:10
Mark Tran
Jo Cox made her maiden speech in June last year. The full text is here in the Yorkshire Post. In it she speaks with pride about her Yorkshire roots and discusses issues such as economic regeneration, the HS2 rail project and her commitment to the EU. Here is a flavour of what she said:
Batley and Spen is a gathering of typically independent, no-nonsense and proud Yorkshire towns and villages. Our communities have been deeply enhanced by immigration, be it of Irish Catholics across the constituency or of Muslims from Gujarat in India or from Pakistan, principally from Kashmir. While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us...
Businesses in my constituency want help to address the skills mismatch at local level which leaves employers with staff shortages and young people without jobs. They want access to reliable sources of finance, including a network of local banks. They want to connect to a regional infrastructure that works for them, not rail price hikes of more than 126% and endless delays to key transport projects such as the electrification of the line from Manchester to Leeds. Many businesses in Yorkshire want the security and stability of Britain’s continued membership of the European Union, a cause I look forward to championing passionately in this place and elsewhere...I am Batley and Spen born and bred, and I could not be prouder of that. I am proud that I was made in Yorkshire and I am proud of the things we make in Yorkshire. Britain should be proud of that, too. I look forward to representing the great people of Batley and Spen here over the next five years.
5.58pm BST
17:58
Gordon Brown says this is 'a devastating day – and a devastating blow to our democracy'
Andrew Sparrow
Gordon Brown, the former prime minister, has put out this statement about the death of Jo Cox.
Our memories will be for ever scarred by this moment. Our hearts will always be hurt at our country’s loss.
Jo Cox was the most vivacious, personable, dynamic and committed friend you could ever have. Whenever you talked to her, the compassion in her eyes and the commitment in her soul shone through. Years of public service advancing the causes she cared passionately about should have been ahead of her.
Sarah and I were privileged to work with Jo and her husband Brendan over many years and in her tireless efforts on behalf of poor and desolate children and mothers. She went to some of the most dangerous places in the world. The last place she should have been in danger was in her home town.
People will say that this does not happen in Britain. This should not happen in Britain. And we must resolve that this will never again happen in Britain.
My and Sarah’s thoughts and prayers are with Brendan and their two young children Cuillin and Lejla this evening. They will have all our support in the difficult days ahead. For them and for those of us who were Jo’s friends, this is a devastating day. And it is a devastating blow to our democracy.
And this is from Sarah Brown, Gordon’s wife.
I am heartbroken. Jo had a truly remarkable spirit and passion that shone through in her work with Oxfam and with me on our countless campaigns for women and children.
Jo cared about everybody but she reserved a special place in her heart for the most vulnerable and the poorest citizens of the world.
She was fearless, she was endlessly upbeat and she reached out to so many to join her cause. Her mission was to make the world a better place.
But above all else Jo had utter devotion to her husband Brendan and their two children Cuillin and Lejla.
That’s all from me. My colleague Mark Tran is now taking over.
Updated
at 6.10pm BST
5.51pm BST
17:51
Jo Cox's husband Brendan: 'Jo believed in a better world and fought for it every day'
Brendan Cox, the MP’s husband, has issued a statement about her death. He says she would have wanted everyone to unite “to fight against the hatred that killed her”.
Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. More difficult, more painful, less joyful, less full of love. I and Jo’s friends and family are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo.
Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life with an energy, and a zest for life that would exhaust most people.
She would have wanted two things above all else to happen now, one that our precious children are bathed in love and two, that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate doesn’t have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous.
Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full.
Updated
at 5.57pm BST
5.46pm BST
17:46
David Cameron has posted a further tribute on Twitter.
PM on Jo Cox: We’ve lost a great star. Jo was a great campaigning MP with huge compassion & a big heart. My thoughts are with her family.
5.45pm BST
17:45
Here are some more of the tributes to Jo Cox from MPs and other British politicians on Twitter.
Incredibly sad to hear shocking news about Jo Cox. All my thoughts with Brendan and their children
One of liveliest, bravest & most passionate MPs. Thoughtful, creative, determined. Cannot believe we have lost you @Jo_Cox1
Very sad to learn that Labour MP Jo Cox has died following appalling attack. Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Deeply saddened to hear Jo Cox MP has died. My thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends
Shocking & devastating news to hear Jo Cox has died. She will be much missed across Parliament. My thoughts & prayers are with her family xx
Devastating news about Jo Cox MP. Thoughts and prayers with her family and colleagues at this sad time.
Pauline & I are devastated to hear of Jo Cox's murder. A brilliant campaigner & local MP. Such a terrible loss to her family and to us all.
Appalling news. My thoughts with Jo Cox's husband and children. Please let us stay calm and wait for the police to establish what happened.
Utterly heartbroken my friend Jo Cox has died - killed when doing her duty. Thinking of Brendan & her children now. pic.twitter.com/QYyrySfIHA
Terribly sad to hear of the death of Jo Cox, senselessly killed working for her constituents.
Jo Cox was much loved by both sides. This casts a pall over all politics.
My thoughts and prayers with the family of Jo Cox MP who was just doing her job serving the community she represented for too short a time.
Jo Cox was the most lovely person, heartfelt sympathy to her husband her children & the community she devoted herself to
5.38pm BST5.38pm BST
17:3817:38
Here is David Cameron on the death of Jo Cox.Here is David Cameron on the death of Jo Cox.
The death of Jo Cox is a tragedy. She was a committed and caring MP. My thoughts are with her husband Brendan and her two young children.The death of Jo Cox is a tragedy. She was a committed and caring MP. My thoughts are with her husband Brendan and her two young children.
5.37pm BST5.37pm BST
17:3717:37
Here is a statement from Theresa May, the home secretary, on the death of Jo Cox.Here is a statement from Theresa May, the home secretary, on the death of Jo Cox.
Home Secretary Theresa May's full statement after the awful murder of Jo Cox MP: pic.twitter.com/mpdV8eq9OIHome Secretary Theresa May's full statement after the awful murder of Jo Cox MP: pic.twitter.com/mpdV8eq9OI
5.35pm BST5.35pm BST
17:3517:35
Chief constable's statement West Yorkshire police chief's statement
Here is the the opening statement by Dee Collins, the acting chief constable of West Yorkshire Police. Here is the statement by Dee Collins, the temporary chief constable of West Yorkshire police.
I’m now very sad to have to report that [Jo Cox] has died as a result of her injuries.I’m now very sad to have to report that [Jo Cox] has died as a result of her injuries.
Before going into further detail I would like to express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends at this tragic time.Before going into further detail I would like to express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends at this tragic time.
Jo was attacked by a man who inflicted serious and, sadly ultimately fatal, injuries.Jo was attacked by a man who inflicted serious and, sadly ultimately fatal, injuries.
Subsequently there was a further attack on a 77-year-old man who sustained injuries that are non life threatening.Subsequently there was a further attack on a 77-year-old man who sustained injuries that are non life threatening.
Shortly afterwards a man was arrested nearby by local uniformed police officers. Weapons, including a firearm, have also been recovered.Shortly afterwards a man was arrested nearby by local uniformed police officers. Weapons, including a firearm, have also been recovered.
At 1.48pm Jo Cox was was pronounced deceased by a doctor who was working with a paramedic crew that were attending to her serious injuries.At 1.48pm Jo Cox was was pronounced deceased by a doctor who was working with a paramedic crew that were attending to her serious injuries.
This is a very significant investigation with large numbers of witnesses that have been spoken to by police at this time.This is a very significant investigation with large numbers of witnesses that have been spoken to by police at this time.
There is a large and significant crime scene and there is a large police presence in the area.There is a large and significant crime scene and there is a large police presence in the area.
A full investigation is underway to establish the motive for this attack. A full investigation is under way to establish the motive for this attack.
There are specifically trained officers with Jo’s immediate family who are fully aware of what has taken place and we would ask the media to respect their privacy at this very difficult time.There are specifically trained officers with Jo’s immediate family who are fully aware of what has taken place and we would ask the media to respect their privacy at this very difficult time.
Additional officers are working in the local community this afternoon and evening in order to provide reassurance and support to our communties.Additional officers are working in the local community this afternoon and evening in order to provide reassurance and support to our communties.
Clearly, as this inquiry is at an early stage and we have an individual under arrest, we are not in a position to discuss any motive at this time.Clearly, as this inquiry is at an early stage and we have an individual under arrest, we are not in a position to discuss any motive at this time.
We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
Updated
at 5.51pm BST
5.25pm BST5.25pm BST
17:2517:25
And this is from Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader.And this is from Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader.
The whole of the Labour movement is devastated at Jo’s death. We have lost a colleague so young who had much more to contribute to public life. She was our future.The whole of the Labour movement is devastated at Jo’s death. We have lost a colleague so young who had much more to contribute to public life. She was our future.
It is hard to comprehend how a compassionate, principled and beautiful person can be taken away from us so cruelly. It’s even more devastating because she was doing what she did best - serving her constituents.It is hard to comprehend how a compassionate, principled and beautiful person can be taken away from us so cruelly. It’s even more devastating because she was doing what she did best - serving her constituents.
We grieve her loss. Our love and prayers are with Brendan and Jo’s family.We grieve her loss. Our love and prayers are with Brendan and Jo’s family.
5.24pm BST5.24pm BST
17:2417:24
Corbyn's tribute to Jo CoxCorbyn's tribute to Jo Cox
Jeremy Corbyn has issued this tribute to Jo Cox.Jeremy Corbyn has issued this tribute to Jo Cox.
The whole of the Labour party and Labour family - and indeed the whole country - will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today.The whole of the Labour party and Labour family - and indeed the whole country - will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today.
Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity. She worked both for Oxfam and the anti-slavery charity, the Freedom Fund, before she was elected last year as MP for Batley and Spen – where she was born and grew up.Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity. She worked both for Oxfam and the anti-slavery charity, the Freedom Fund, before she was elected last year as MP for Batley and Spen – where she was born and grew up.
Jo was dedicated to getting us to live up to our promises to support the developing world and strengthen human rights – and she brought those values and principles with her when she became an MP.Jo was dedicated to getting us to live up to our promises to support the developing world and strengthen human rights – and she brought those values and principles with her when she became an MP.
Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It is a profoundly important cause for us all.Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It is a profoundly important cause for us all.
Jo was universally liked at Westminster, not just by her Labour colleagues, but across Parliament.Jo was universally liked at Westminster, not just by her Labour colleagues, but across Parliament.
In the coming days, there will be questions to answer about how and why she died. But for now all our thoughts are with Jo’s husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for.In the coming days, there will be questions to answer about how and why she died. But for now all our thoughts are with Jo’s husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for.
We send them our deepest condolences. We have lost a much loved colleague, a real talent and a dedicated campaigner for social justice and peace. But they have lost a wife and a mother, and our hearts go out to them.We send them our deepest condolences. We have lost a much loved colleague, a real talent and a dedicated campaigner for social justice and peace. But they have lost a wife and a mother, and our hearts go out to them.
5.21pm BST5.21pm BST
17:2117:21
Dee Collins says the police think this was as lone incident. Dee Collins says the police think this was a lone incident.
But high-visibility patrols are in the area.But high-visibility patrols are in the area.
And prominent individuals are being briefed, she says.And prominent individuals are being briefed, she says.
5.20pm BST
17:20
Dee Collins says the police are attending a number of scenes.
5.20pm BST
17:20
Q: Have you got the weapons?
Dee Collins says some weapons have been recovered.
5.19pm BST
17:19
Q: What can you say about reports the man shouted “Britain First”?
Dee Collins says she is not able to say at present. But the police want witnesses to come forward.
Q: Had Jo ever expressed worry about safety at her surgeries?
Not to my knowledge, says Burns-Williamson.
5.18pm BST
17:18
Mark Burns-Williamson, the West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner, expresses his condolences to Cox’s family. He says this was a localised incident.
5.17pm BST
17:17
Dee Collins says another person, a 77-year-old man, was attacked.
Jo Cox was declared dead by a doctor at the scene, she says.
She says the area is a crime scene and a full investigation is taking place.
She asks the media to respect the privacy of the victims’ family.
The inquiry is at an early stage, and an individual is under arrest. The police are not able to discuss motives at this time, she says.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.36pm BST at 5.41pm BST
5.15pm BST
17:15
Jo Cox has died, chief constable announces.
Dee Collins, the chief constable of West Yorkshire police, announces that Jo Cox has died.
Updated
at 5.30pm BST
5.12pm BST
17:12
West Yorkshire police are due to hold a press conference about the attack on Jo Cox shortly.
Waiting for the police press conference to begin - expecting an update on the attack on Jo Cox MP. pic.twitter.com/qHRdhdpg5T
Updated
at 5.28pm BST
5.10pm BST
17:10
Here are some more MPs expressing support for Jo Cox on Twitter.
1/2 Truly shocking news about Jo Cox MP. I did a broadcast with her on Syria; she is brave and well-informed. Wishing her a swift recovery
Horrific news about Jo Cox. Thoughts are with her family and friends.
We are all praying for Jo Cox.
Shocked by news of terrible attack on Jo Cox. Thoughts are with Jo and her family.
Such an appalling & cowardly attack on Jo Cox MP, thinking of her & her family.
Shocking news about @Jo_Cox1 Our prayers for her and family
Heading to Tooting to campaign in the byelection there, but thoughts are all with Jo Cox hoping she'll pull through
I'm horrified by the attack on Jo Cox. My thoughts are with her and her family.
5.02pm BST
17:02
There was police activity shortly after the attack at a semi-detached house on the Fieldhead estate in Birstall. Thomas Mair, 52, is the registered occupier of the address, according to the electoral roll, Vikram Dodd, Nazia Parveen and Rob Booth report.
A police cordon surrounded the house as a helicopter circled overheard and forensic officers in boiler suits appeared to be searching the neat front garden, as well as around garages at the back of the well-maintained property.
Neighbours on the Fieldhead estate said the man had lived here 40 years with a female relative, who died a number of years ago, leaving him alone.
Kathleen Cooke, 62, said she and her daughter, Emma John, 30, had seen Mair half an hour before the attack.
“I looked out of the window at about 12.30 and he walked past a carrying his bag, wearing a cap. He looked perfectly calm and normal,” said John.
“He was a quiet person, kept himself to himself. We knew him around here from when he used to do our gardens,” said Cooke.
One woman, who gave her name just as Karen, said Mair did her mother’s garden regularly until a few years ago. He didn’t seem to have a job, she said.
Local teenagers said he was a quiet man unless they congregated on the wall behind his house, which he didn’t like. “He’d shout at us,” said a 17-year-old.
“All this we are hearing now is totally at odds with the man we thought we knew,” said one neighbour. “We knew him as someone who helped out, who did volunteering.”
Updated
at 5.05pm BST
5.00pm BST
17:00
Local resident Sam Watson told the BBC that people from nearby shops rushed to help. He said:
We were outside there and then we heard loads of screaming and then we looked down the corner. There were a woman lying behind a red car. And then when we looked over the road, some of the Sandwich and Co, from another sandwich shop across the road, were getting another man that was injured and bringing him into their shop.
And then the guy had a black hat on, and he was just casually walking away. He weren’t running - he was just walking. He walked up through the market.