This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2016/jun/16/eu-referendum-live-osborne-brexit-budget-leave-tories

The article has changed 43 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 23 Version 24
Jo Cox MP dies after attack in West Yorkshire – latest updates Jo Cox MP dies after attack in West Yorkshire – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
9.06pm BST
21:06
The Guardian’s obituary of Jo Cox
Related: Jo Cox obituary
8.59pm BST
20:59
Helen Pidd
Suspected killer Tommy Mair has two brothers: Scott Mair, 49, and a half-brother, Duane St Louis, the product of his mother Mary’s second marriage with the late Reginald St Louis, who came from Grenada. Speaking outside his house in Dewsbury on Thursday, St Louis, 41, said he couldn’t believe the news. “I was watching Sky News and I recognised him in handcuffs on the ground. It felt like a dream. I just couldn’t believe he’d do something like that,” he said. “I phoned my mum and she was watching too. She tried to phone his mobile but couldn’t get through and she knew something was up.” Mair last visited his mother on Wednesday night to help her tune her TV, he said.
St Louis said Mair had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): “He was obsessed with washing himself. He would scrub his skin with Brillo pads.”He insisted his brother had never expressed any racist views and seemed fine having a mixed-race sibling. Neither did he have any strong political views that St Louis was aware of.Mair had been volunteering for the past few years at a school for children with disabilities, he said.St Louis said he had a good relationship with his brother, but that Mair would fight with Scott, his younger, full brother, from their mother’s first marriage. Scott has spent “half his life in jail”, said St Louis, while Thomas has never been in trouble with the police, he claimed.
8.45pm BST
20:45
Oxfam statement on Jo Cox death
Jo Cox worked for Oxfam and Oxfam International between 2001 and 2009 in a variety of roles. The charity said in a statement tonight that she was a passionate advocate on humanitarian issues including the conflicts in Darfur and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her commitment to humanitarian issues led her to become head of humanitarian campaigns for Oxfam International in New York in 2007 for two years. She also met her husband, Brendan, while working for the organisation.
Max Lawson of Oxfam, who worked closely with her, said:
Jo was a diminutive pocket rocket from the north. She was as a ball of energy, always smiling, full of new ideas, of idealism, of passion. She gave so much to Oxfam. She was an inspiring leader, really bringing the best out of all of us, always positive, always believing we could win, and always passionate for change. She was particularly brilliant at bringing huge energy to our campaigning around the desperate humanitarian crisis in Darfur.”
Oxfam GB’s chief executive, Mark Goldring, said:
Oxfam is proud of the role that Jo played in our work over a decade. Many of our colleagues remember her fondly. The rest of us followed her work with admiration. She never lost her passion for peace, justice and equality. Everyone is deeply shocked to hear the news. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brendan and Jo’s family at this difficult time.”
8.38pm BST
20:38
Flowers are being left in Birstall in tribute to Jo Cox.
There are also tributes in Parliament Square in Westminster.
8.26pm BST8.26pm BST
20:2620:26
Heather StewartHeather Stewart
Osborne: ‘our values will prevail’Osborne: ‘our values will prevail’
George Osborne had been due to use his annual Mansion House speech in the City to step up warnings about the economic risks of Britain leaving the European Union. But instead he gave a short statement saying that next Thursday’s referendum was “a great exercise in democracy”.George Osborne had been due to use his annual Mansion House speech in the City to step up warnings about the economic risks of Britain leaving the European Union. But instead he gave a short statement saying that next Thursday’s referendum was “a great exercise in democracy”.
The chancellor said: “People are free in this country to live their lives as they choose and express themselves without fear. Society will protect their right to do so and hold to account those who disregard our laws. Today’s horrible events are an assault on all of these values. But we know that these values, no matter how they have been challenged in the past, have always prevailed, prevail today and they will always prevail. For they are the values of Great Britain, our great democracy.”The chancellor said: “People are free in this country to live their lives as they choose and express themselves without fear. Society will protect their right to do so and hold to account those who disregard our laws. Today’s horrible events are an assault on all of these values. But we know that these values, no matter how they have been challenged in the past, have always prevailed, prevail today and they will always prevail. For they are the values of Great Britain, our great democracy.”
8.22pm BST8.22pm BST
20:2220:22
Ben QuinnBen Quinn
The murder of Jo Cox has hit home “particularly hard” on a day when voters have been selecting a new MP in a by-election for the south London constituency of Tooting, the acting returning officer in the area said tonight.The murder of Jo Cox has hit home “particularly hard” on a day when voters have been selecting a new MP in a by-election for the south London constituency of Tooting, the acting returning officer in the area said tonight.
The flag was flying at half mast over Wandsworth town hall, where candidates and their supporters were due to start gathering at the election count. The election was triggered following the election of the constituency’s long-serving MP, Sadiq Khan, as London mayor.The flag was flying at half mast over Wandsworth town hall, where candidates and their supporters were due to start gathering at the election count. The election was triggered following the election of the constituency’s long-serving MP, Sadiq Khan, as London mayor.
Paul Martin, the acting returning officer, said: “The murder of Jo Cox has shocked the entire country, and it has hit home particularly hard in Tooting where right now the community is in the process of selecting a new member of parliament to represent their interests.Paul Martin, the acting returning officer, said: “The murder of Jo Cox has shocked the entire country, and it has hit home particularly hard in Tooting where right now the community is in the process of selecting a new member of parliament to represent their interests.
“It is our duty and responsibility to continue with this by-election, but clearly a very dark shadow has been cast over these proceedings. The flag over Wandsworth town Hall is now flying at half mast and we will hold a two minute silence during this evening’s count to reflect upon this awful loss. Our thoughts, prayers and deep condolences are with Jo’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”“It is our duty and responsibility to continue with this by-election, but clearly a very dark shadow has been cast over these proceedings. The flag over Wandsworth town Hall is now flying at half mast and we will hold a two minute silence during this evening’s count to reflect upon this awful loss. Our thoughts, prayers and deep condolences are with Jo’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
8.10pm BST8.10pm BST
20:1020:10
Shuja Shafi, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, has commented:Shuja Shafi, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, has commented:
I am shocked by the attack on Jo Cox and saddened to hear of her death. Jo was known for her tireless campaigning for human rights and for the disadvantaged. Her campaigning meant that she positively affected the lives of many people abroad and here in the UK as well. She spoke up for the children of Syria and campaigned for migrants to be welcomed here. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go to Jo’s young family and to her husband Brendan Cox, himself a good friend of Muslim civil society.”I am shocked by the attack on Jo Cox and saddened to hear of her death. Jo was known for her tireless campaigning for human rights and for the disadvantaged. Her campaigning meant that she positively affected the lives of many people abroad and here in the UK as well. She spoke up for the children of Syria and campaigned for migrants to be welcomed here. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go to Jo’s young family and to her husband Brendan Cox, himself a good friend of Muslim civil society.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.18pm BSTat 8.18pm BST
7.54pm BST7.54pm BST
19:5419:54
'An attack on humanity, idealism and democracy': the Guardian's view'An attack on humanity, idealism and democracy': the Guardian's view
“The MP murdered on the street embodied decency and a commitment to all that humanity has in common. What a contrast with her assailant and so much that is rotten in politics.”“The MP murdered on the street embodied decency and a commitment to all that humanity has in common. What a contrast with her assailant and so much that is rotten in politics.”
Read more from the Guardian’s view on the killing of Jo Cox, which it sums up as an attack on humanity, idealism and democracy.Read more from the Guardian’s view on the killing of Jo Cox, which it sums up as an attack on humanity, idealism and democracy.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.07pm BSTat 8.07pm BST
7.40pm BST7.40pm BST
19:4019:40
Helen PiddHelen Pidd
Mair’s mother, Mary, said she was too upset to speak on Thursday, but her neighbours talked of their shock at the news.Mair’s mother, Mary, said she was too upset to speak on Thursday, but her neighbours talked of their shock at the news.
One woman, who asked not to be named, said Mair was a “devoted son” who did his mum’s shopping twice a week and would bring two carrier bags around on foot, before walking several miles up the hill back to his house. He had visited last on Wednesday, she said.One woman, who asked not to be named, said Mair was a “devoted son” who did his mum’s shopping twice a week and would bring two carrier bags around on foot, before walking several miles up the hill back to his house. He had visited last on Wednesday, she said.
She insisted it was “totally out of character” and that he had never been in trouble with police before. She said he “practically lived in the library. He was obsessed with books. His house is full of them”.She insisted it was “totally out of character” and that he had never been in trouble with police before. She said he “practically lived in the library. He was obsessed with books. His house is full of them”.
Another neighbour said he saw Mair and his mother out in the garden potting plants together just last week.Another neighbour said he saw Mair and his mother out in the garden potting plants together just last week.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.45pm BSTat 7.45pm BST
7.25pm BST7.25pm BST
19:2519:25
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been joined in Parliament Square tonight by many MPs, some of whom entered the Commons last year along with Cox.Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been joined in Parliament Square tonight by many MPs, some of whom entered the Commons last year along with Cox.
He described her as a “wonderful woman who stood for many things – human rights, peace and justice” and said she was an exemplary MP. Her death was “beyond appalling”, Corbyn added.He described her as a “wonderful woman who stood for many things – human rights, peace and justice” and said she was an exemplary MP. Her death was “beyond appalling”, Corbyn added.
The class of 2015 were grieving deeply tonight. “We mourn and we are suspending all [referendum] campaigning activities until the weekend as a mark of respect,” Corbyn said. “Hatred will never solve problems. Jo believed that.”The class of 2015 were grieving deeply tonight. “We mourn and we are suspending all [referendum] campaigning activities until the weekend as a mark of respect,” Corbyn said. “Hatred will never solve problems. Jo believed that.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.55pm BSTat 7.55pm BST
7.18pm BST7.18pm BST
19:1819:18
Thanks to my colleagues Mark Tran and Andrew Sparrow earlier – Chris Johnston here with the latest developments on this tragic event.Thanks to my colleagues Mark Tran and Andrew Sparrow earlier – Chris Johnston here with the latest developments on this tragic event.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.26pm BSTat 7.26pm BST
7.15pm BST7.15pm BST
19:1519:15
Jo Cox made her first speech in the House of Commons on 3 June 2015, during a debate on “devolution and growth across Britain”.Jo Cox made her first speech in the House of Commons on 3 June 2015, during a debate on “devolution and growth across Britain”.
7.12pm BST7.12pm BST
19:1219:12
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Mark TranMark Tran
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.48pm BSTat 7.48pm BST
6.54pm BST6.54pm BST
18:5418:54
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
Nick Gannon, 33, who lived two doors down from Tommy Mair – the man named locally as the suspected killer – knew him since he was 10 years old.Nick Gannon, 33, who lived two doors down from Tommy Mair – the man named locally as the suspected killer – knew him since he was 10 years old.
“It’s shocking. He were a quiet guy, you would not think it of him. He would cut elderly people’s grass voluntarily. There were no reason to think he would be capable of something like this.“It’s shocking. He were a quiet guy, you would not think it of him. He would cut elderly people’s grass voluntarily. There were no reason to think he would be capable of something like this.
“He was friendly. If you said hello to him, he would say hello back. He was not aggressive or anything. He wasn’t frightening.”“He was friendly. If you said hello to him, he would say hello back. He was not aggressive or anything. He wasn’t frightening.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.45pm BSTat 7.45pm BST
6.46pm BST6.46pm BST
18:4618:46
Gabrielle Giffords, the US House of Representatives member who survived being shot in the head in 2011, has tweeted:Gabrielle Giffords, the US House of Representatives member who survived being shot in the head in 2011, has tweeted:
Absolutely sickened to hear of the assassination of Jo Cox. She was young, courageous, and hardworking. A rising star, mother, and wife.Absolutely sickened to hear of the assassination of Jo Cox. She was young, courageous, and hardworking. A rising star, mother, and wife.
6.37pm BST6.37pm BST
18:3718:37
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband is the latest Labour figure to pay tribute to Jo Cox:Former Labour leader Ed Miliband is the latest Labour figure to pay tribute to Jo Cox:
My heart breaks for the loss of Jo Cox and for Brendan and their kids. She was so full of life and joy. Words feel hopeless right now.”My heart breaks for the loss of Jo Cox and for Brendan and their kids. She was so full of life and joy. Words feel hopeless right now.”
He praised her husband’s “extraordinary dignity, love and compassion”, adding: “Brendan – we all stand with you and grieve with you.”He praised her husband’s “extraordinary dignity, love and compassion”, adding: “Brendan – we all stand with you and grieve with you.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.50pm BSTat 6.50pm BST
6.30pm BST6.30pm BST
18:3018:30
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has issued a statement in response to the death of Jo Cox.Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has issued a statement in response to the death of Jo Cox.
This is utterly shocking and tragic news, which has left everyone stunned.This is utterly shocking and tragic news, which has left everyone stunned.
My thoughts this evening are with Jo Cox’s family - my heart breaks for them. Although I didn’t know Jo personally, I know she was held in huge regard as a brilliant young woman, who had already contributed a huge amount in her time in Parliament, and today she was simply going about her job as a local MP.My thoughts this evening are with Jo Cox’s family - my heart breaks for them. Although I didn’t know Jo personally, I know she was held in huge regard as a brilliant young woman, who had already contributed a huge amount in her time in Parliament, and today she was simply going about her job as a local MP.
My thoughts and condolences also go to Jo’s colleagues in the Labour party and to the many friends she had clearly made across the political spectrum.”My thoughts and condolences also go to Jo’s colleagues in the Labour party and to the many friends she had clearly made across the political spectrum.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.39pm BSTat 6.39pm BST
6.14pm BST6.14pm BST
18:1418:14
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: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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.20pm BSTat 6.20pm BST
6.10pm BST6.10pm BST
18:1018:10
Mark TranMark 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: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...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.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.