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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)
11.20pm BST
23:20
Ben Quinn
The Labour MP overseeing the party’s polling day push in the Tooting by-election has spoken of how they found it “extraordinarily difficult” and momentarily halted their campaign after learning of the death of Jo Cox.
Clive Efford, the MP for Eltham, told the Guardian: “When the news came out and the announcement was made around five o’clock everyone downed tools in the campaign but we realised that the process has got to continue and people gradually gathered themselves and got back out on the campaign.”
He also spoke about advice given to Labour MPs in the wake of the killing of their colleague. “We have been asked to contact, if we have any concerns, our local borough commanders or the security at the House of Commons, but it’s obviously difficult to know what to be concerned about until there is more details about what has happened.”
Additional police officers were on duty at the count centre in Wandsworth council’s civil suite, where a two-minute silence was held in memory of Cox.
Labour’s candidate, Rosena Allin-Khan, was widely expected to hold the seat vacated by London mayor Sadiq Khan, who brought in a 2,842 majority for the party at the general election.
Allin-Khan, a mother of two who is also deputy leader of Wandsworth council’s Labour group, is a junior accident and emergency doctor. Her campaign literature has made much of her mixed Polish and Pakistani heritage and her working class roots.
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'She gave her life for this community''She gave her life for this community'
Hundreds of people packed into St Peter’s church in Birstall to remember Jo Cox in a service mainly of silence punctuated by readings, music and prayers.Hundreds of people packed into St Peter’s church in Birstall to remember Jo Cox in a service mainly of silence punctuated by readings, music and prayers.
The Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Gibbs, told the vigil: “She grew up in this community, she lived for this community, she served this community and, in the end, she gave her life for this community.”The Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Gibbs, told the vigil: “She grew up in this community, she lived for this community, she served this community and, in the end, she gave her life for this community.”
Friends, colleagues and people who said they had never even met Cox crammed into every pew, with others standing in all other available spaces. Among those who attended were many of her Labour colleagues, including Yvette Cooper, Dan Jarvis, Rachel Reeves, Caroline Flint and Mary Creagh.Friends, colleagues and people who said they had never even met Cox crammed into every pew, with others standing in all other available spaces. Among those who attended were many of her Labour colleagues, including Yvette Cooper, Dan Jarvis, Rachel Reeves, Caroline Flint and Mary Creagh.
Gibbs told the congregation: “None of us, I suspect, could believe the news when we heard it this afternoon. We still can’t believe it as we come tonight overwhelmed by shock and grief and a tremendous sense of loss but, above all, in many ways, we’re still numb.”Gibbs told the congregation: “None of us, I suspect, could believe the news when we heard it this afternoon. We still can’t believe it as we come tonight overwhelmed by shock and grief and a tremendous sense of loss but, above all, in many ways, we’re still numb.”
The bishop added: “There will also be great feelings of anger and hurt and pain. “How we handle those feelings in our own lives and in our communities will be of great importance. We are now here for each other tonight.”The bishop added: “There will also be great feelings of anger and hurt and pain. “How we handle those feelings in our own lives and in our communities will be of great importance. We are now here for each other tonight.”
10.38pm BST10.38pm BST
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Times columnist Sathnam Sanghera makes a very valid point in this tweet:Times columnist Sathnam Sanghera makes a very valid point in this tweet:
These politicians paying tribiute to Jo Cox's work with Syrian refugees: how about providing sanctuary for the kids she fought so hard for.These politicians paying tribiute to Jo Cox's work with Syrian refugees: how about providing sanctuary for the kids she fought so hard for.
10.20pm BST10.20pm BST
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My colleague Ben Quinn is at Wandsworth town hall for the count following the Tooting byelection held today.My colleague Ben Quinn is at Wandsworth town hall for the count following the Tooting byelection held today.
They're going to hold a 2 minutes silence for Jo Cox at 11pm at the Tooting by election count. pic.twitter.com/rQiI5py1kYThey're going to hold a 2 minutes silence for Jo Cox at 11pm at the Tooting by election count. pic.twitter.com/rQiI5py1kY
10.12pm BST10.12pm BST
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Tim Roache, GMB general secretary, has given the union’s reaction to the killing:Tim Roache, GMB general secretary, has given the union’s reaction to the killing:
We’re heartbroken. Jo was a GMB member and a friend. She was a working mum who got up and went to work this morning, that’s all. That she won’t go home to her kids tonight is cruel and unfair. Our thoughts, love and condolences are with her family and friends. As her husband Brendan said, she’d want us to unite against the hatred that killed her. We will. Sleep well, sister.”We’re heartbroken. Jo was a GMB member and a friend. She was a working mum who got up and went to work this morning, that’s all. That she won’t go home to her kids tonight is cruel and unfair. Our thoughts, love and condolences are with her family and friends. As her husband Brendan said, she’d want us to unite against the hatred that killed her. We will. Sleep well, sister.”
9.58pm BST9.58pm BST
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This comment piece by Alex Massie on the Spectator’s website has been getting quite a bit of attention online. Here’s a flavour:This comment piece by Alex Massie on the Spectator’s website has been getting quite a bit of attention online. Here’s a flavour:
Nigel Farage isn’t responsible for Jo Cox’s murder. And nor is the Leave campaign. But they are responsible for the manner in which they have pressed their argument. They weren’t to know something like this was going to happen, of course, and they will be just as shocked and horrified by it as anyone else...Nigel Farage isn’t responsible for Jo Cox’s murder. And nor is the Leave campaign. But they are responsible for the manner in which they have pressed their argument. They weren’t to know something like this was going to happen, of course, and they will be just as shocked and horrified by it as anyone else...
When you shout BREAKING POINT over and over again, you don’t get to be surprised when someone breaks.”When you shout BREAKING POINT over and over again, you don’t get to be surprised when someone breaks.”
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Raya JalabiRaya Jalabi
At the start of a US state department briefing in Washington DC today, spokesman John Kirby told reporters that officials were “shocked and appalled” by the killing of Jo Cox.At the start of a US state department briefing in Washington DC today, spokesman John Kirby told reporters that officials were “shocked and appalled” by the killing of Jo Cox.
“Of course we offer our sincere condolences to Ms Cox’s family and friends and all of the British people ... And obviously we’re going to refer you to UK authorities for this, who we understand are already investigating this heartbreaking incident,” he said. “But again, we thought it was important right at the top here to express our condolences for this terrible crime.”“Of course we offer our sincere condolences to Ms Cox’s family and friends and all of the British people ... And obviously we’re going to refer you to UK authorities for this, who we understand are already investigating this heartbreaking incident,” he said. “But again, we thought it was important right at the top here to express our condolences for this terrible crime.”
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Katie AllenKatie Allen
The governor of the Bank of England has paid tribute to MP Jo Cox as a “remarkable person” who dedicated her life to helping others.The governor of the Bank of England has paid tribute to MP Jo Cox as a “remarkable person” who dedicated her life to helping others.
Mark Carney had earlier cancelled a scheduled speech on the financial services sector to a dinner of City bankers in London after the news of Cox’s death. In swiftly drafted remarks, the governor expressed his condolences and hailed the Labour politician’s political and charity work.Mark Carney had earlier cancelled a scheduled speech on the financial services sector to a dinner of City bankers in London after the news of Cox’s death. In swiftly drafted remarks, the governor expressed his condolences and hailed the Labour politician’s political and charity work.
“On behalf of everyone at the Bank of England, I would like to express our horror at today’s events in West Yorkshire. Our thoughts, condolences and prayers are with Jo Cox’s husband, her two young children, her extended family and her colleagues,” Carney said.“On behalf of everyone at the Bank of England, I would like to express our horror at today’s events in West Yorkshire. Our thoughts, condolences and prayers are with Jo Cox’s husband, her two young children, her extended family and her colleagues,” Carney said.
“While I did not know Jo Cox personally, I knew many of you did and that many, many more knew what a remarkable person she was. Jo Cox dedicated her life to helping others,” Carney said, citing her work with Oxfam, the NSPCC, the Freedom Fund, international action to stop deaths in childbirth and her more recent role representing constituents in Batley and Spen.“While I did not know Jo Cox personally, I knew many of you did and that many, many more knew what a remarkable person she was. Jo Cox dedicated her life to helping others,” Carney said, citing her work with Oxfam, the NSPCC, the Freedom Fund, international action to stop deaths in childbirth and her more recent role representing constituents in Batley and Spen.
Carney added: “I have no doubt that this spirit will remain undimmed and such progress will continue. The best tribute that this room, this city and the country can give to the memory of Jo Cox is to renew our shared commitment whatever our differences to promote the common good in the United Kingdom and the world.”Carney added: “I have no doubt that this spirit will remain undimmed and such progress will continue. The best tribute that this room, this city and the country can give to the memory of Jo Cox is to renew our shared commitment whatever our differences to promote the common good in the United Kingdom and the world.”
9.18pm BST9.18pm BST
21:1821:18
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
A man has been arrested in Exeter following an abusive call made to Ben Bradshaw, who is the city’s MP.A man has been arrested in Exeter following an abusive call made to Ben Bradshaw, who is the city’s MP.
Devon and Cornwall police said a 37-year-old man was held for questioning after a call was recorded at the Labour MP’s office at Westminster.Devon and Cornwall police said a 37-year-old man was held for questioning after a call was recorded at the Labour MP’s office at Westminster.
A police spokesperson said: “An abusive phone call to MP Ben Bradshaw was recorded on his office answering machine. The office contacted parliamentary police and Devon and Cornwall police. A 37-year-old man from Exeter is in police custody for interview.”A police spokesperson said: “An abusive phone call to MP Ben Bradshaw was recorded on his office answering machine. The office contacted parliamentary police and Devon and Cornwall police. A 37-year-old man from Exeter is in police custody for interview.”
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Labour MP Ben Bradshaw tweets:Labour MP Ben Bradshaw tweets:
If anyone is near Westminster tonight there's a very moving tribute to & vigil for our beloved colleague Jo in Parliament Square.If anyone is near Westminster tonight there's a very moving tribute to & vigil for our beloved colleague Jo in Parliament Square.
9.06pm BST9.06pm BST
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The Guardian’s obituary of Jo CoxThe Guardian’s obituary of Jo Cox
The Labour MP Jo Cox, who has died aged 41 after being shot and stabbed in her constituency of Batley and Spen, in West Yorkshire, was a woman who in many ways represented the character and style of the modern Labour party. She was widely viewed as someone who could have been a serious player in the party in the years to come.The Labour MP Jo Cox, who has died aged 41 after being shot and stabbed in her constituency of Batley and Spen, in West Yorkshire, was a woman who in many ways represented the character and style of the modern Labour party. She was widely viewed as someone who could have been a serious player in the party in the years to come.
Related: Jo Cox obituaryRelated: Jo Cox obituary
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Helen PiddHelen 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.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: “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.St Louis said Mair had obsessive compulsive disorder: “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.
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Oxfam statement on Jo Cox deathOxfam 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 the 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.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 the 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: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.”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 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.”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.”
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Flowers are being left in Birstall in tribute to Jo Cox.Flowers are being left in Birstall in tribute to Jo Cox.
There are also tributes in Parliament Square in Westminster.There are also tributes in Parliament Square in Westminster.
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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
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Ben QuinnBen Quinn
The killing of Jo Cox has hit home “particularly hard” on a day when voters have been selecting a new MP in a byelection for the south London constituency of Tooting, the acting returning officer in the area said tonight.The killing of Jo Cox has hit home “particularly hard” on a day when voters have been selecting a new MP in a byelection 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.”
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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.”
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'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.
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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.
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