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Jo Cox death: police investigate motive for killing of Labour MP – latest updates Jo Cox death: police investigate motive for killing of Labour MP – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
7.28am BST
07:28
Some MPs have appealed for a recall of parliament to allow MPs to pay their respects to Cox in the House of Commons.
Parliament is currently suspended in the run-up to next Thursday’s referendum.
Labour MP Angela Smith told BBC Newsnight:
I would welcome [a recall] because I would love to pay tribute to Jo in the best way possible … for her colleagues to reconvene and to absolutely use parliamentary democracy to demonstrate that democracy will not be beaten by this.
We will continue to represent our constituents in parliament and that’s the best tribute possible that we could pay to Jo.
Downing Street has so far not indicated any intention to recall parliament.
7.17am BST
07:17
In April, Jo Cox spoke in a debate in the Commons about whether 3,000 unaccompanied Syrian children should be allowed to come to the UK.
The amendment was defeated. But Cox’s speech in favour of allowing refugees to come to Britain was a powerful one:
Here is an excerpt of her speech:
We all know that the vast majority of the terrified, friendless and profoundly vulnerable child refugees scattered across Europe tonight came from Syria. We also know that, as that conflict enters its sixth barbaric year, desperate Syrian families are being forced to make an impossible decision: stay and face starvation, rape, persecution and death, or make a perilous journey to find sanctuary elsewhere.
Who can blame desperate parents for wanting to escape the horror that their families are experiencing? Children are being killed on their way to school, children as young as seven are being forcefully recruited to the frontline and one in three children have grown up knowing nothing but fear and war. Those children have been exposed to things no child should ever witness, and I know I would risk life and limb to get my two precious babies out of that hellhole …
I recognise that this is not easy, but tonight we are being asked to make a decision that transcends party politics. Any Member who has seen the desperation and fear on the faces of children trapped in inhospitable camps across Europe must surely feel compelled to act. I urge them tonight to be brave and bold.
7.08am BST
07:08
Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, who shared a Westminster office with Cox, told the BBC she had not seemed overly worried by the messages for which a man accepted a police caution in March.
(The Metropolitan police has confirmed this morning that the man cautioned is not the same man under arrest for the attack in Birstall.)
But Kinnock added:
We need to think a bit about the tone of our politics and the way that politicians and the media talk to each other … and the way social media kicks in and amplifies this.
It’s not a big journey from saying horrible things to doing horrible things.
6.58am BST
06:58
In the early hours of Friday morning, Rosena Allin-Khan became Westminster’s newest MP, winning the Tooting byelection – in a seat vacated by London mayor Sadiq Khan – for Labour.
She won with 17,894 votes, increasing Labour’s majority in Tooting from 2,842 in last year’s general election to 6,357. Dan Watkins came second for the Conservatives in both elections. Turnout was 42.5%.
Allin-Khan did not make a victory speech. Instead she thanked voters but moved on to speak about “the horrific events of today and the shocking death of Jo Cox”:
My thoughts and prayers are with Jo’s husband and her children. She was a proud and passionate campaigner who will be desperately missed.
Jo’s death reminds us that our democracy is precious but fragile – we must never forget to cherish it. Thousands of people voted today and we are all here in recognition of our democratic values.
Allin-Khan ought to have been Labour’s 100th female MP today. Instead there are still 99. Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq noted:
Congratulations to Rosena for winning Tooting. What an absolute tragedy that she won't be Labour's 100th woman in Parliament. Devastating.
6.42am BST6.42am BST
06:4206:42
Thursday night saw a number of vigils for Jo Cox.Thursday night saw a number of vigils for Jo Cox.
An impromptu memorial was held in Parliament Square, attended by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, his deputy Tom Watson and Westminster colleagues.An impromptu memorial was held in Parliament Square, attended by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, his deputy Tom Watson and Westminster colleagues.
In Birstall, Cox’s home town, Labour MPs including Yvette Cooper, Caroline Flint, Mary Creagh, Rachel Reeves and Dan Jarvis, along with hundreds of constituents, filled the parish church of St Peter’s.In Birstall, Cox’s home town, Labour MPs including Yvette Cooper, Caroline Flint, Mary Creagh, Rachel Reeves and Dan Jarvis, along with hundreds of constituents, filled the parish church of St Peter’s.
The Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Gibbs, told them Cox was someone who “gave her life for this community”.The Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Gibbs, told them Cox was someone who “gave her life for this community”.
Downing Street said flags across Whitehall will fly at half mast today.Downing Street said flags across Whitehall will fly at half mast today.
Flags at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh will also be lowered.Flags at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh will also be lowered.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.44am BSTat 6.44am BST
6.25am BST6.25am BST
06:2506:25
Friday's UK newspapersFriday's UK newspapers
The death of Jo Cox dominates the front pages this morning.The death of Jo Cox dominates the front pages this morning.
The GuardianThe Guardian
Friday's Guardian:‘She believed in a better world and she fought for it every day’#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/79Edb0Z6FpFriday's Guardian:‘She believed in a better world and she fought for it every day’#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/79Edb0Z6Fp
The Yorkshire PostThe Yorkshire Post
Yorkshire Post via @IanDayPix -Jo Cox 1974-2016: An MP murdered in the line of duty#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Vh9KLn24rMYorkshire Post via @IanDayPix -Jo Cox 1974-2016: An MP murdered in the line of duty#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Vh9KLn24rM
The TimesThe Times
Friday's Times front page:Murdered MP had faced string of security threats#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/pY1aMdfctnFriday's Times front page:Murdered MP had faced string of security threats#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/pY1aMdfctn
The Financial TimesThe Financial Times
Friday's FT:Killing of Jo Cox brings abrupt halt to referendum campaign#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/ueCRvh2xP5Friday's FT:Killing of Jo Cox brings abrupt halt to referendum campaign#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/ueCRvh2xP5
The TelegraphThe Telegraph
Friday's Telegraph:'Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day'#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/s1KLbkqi7VFriday's Telegraph:'Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day'#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/s1KLbkqi7V
The Daily MirrorThe Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror:'Jo believed in a better world. She would want us all to unite against the hatred that killed her' pic.twitter.com/IjSplcpzlhDaily Mirror:'Jo believed in a better world. She would want us all to unite against the hatred that killed her' pic.twitter.com/IjSplcpzlh
The Yorkshire Evening PostThe Yorkshire Evening Post
Friday's Yorkshire Evening Post via @NicolaFurbisher Our Jo#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/AXusySdZBcFriday's Yorkshire Evening Post via @NicolaFurbisher Our Jo#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/AXusySdZBc
The SunThe Sun
Friday's Sun front page:My Jo#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/xvWOaXXQCrFriday's Sun front page:My Jo#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/xvWOaXXQCr
The Daily MailThe Daily Mail
Friday's Daily Mail:What a tragic waste#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/hgT8Da0LvHFriday's Daily Mail:What a tragic waste#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/hgT8Da0LvH
6.13am BST6.13am BST
06:1306:13
Three months ago, it has emerged, a man was cautioned by police for sending “malicious communications” to Jo Cox.Three months ago, it has emerged, a man was cautioned by police for sending “malicious communications” to Jo Cox.
Police have confirmed that this is not the same man under arrest for the attack in Birstall yesterday.Police have confirmed that this is not the same man under arrest for the attack in Birstall yesterday.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said:A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said:
Officers received an allegation of malicious communications from Jo Cox MP, and in March 2016 arrested a man in connection with the investigation.Officers received an allegation of malicious communications from Jo Cox MP, and in March 2016 arrested a man in connection with the investigation.
The man subsequently accepted a police caution. The man who accepted the police caution is not the man in custody in West Yorkshire.The man subsequently accepted a police caution. The man who accepted the police caution is not the man in custody in West Yorkshire.
6.08am BST6.08am BST
06:0806:08
Friday's other politics newsFriday's other politics news
Labour’s Rosena Allin-Khan won the Tooting byelection in south London last night, in a contest overshadowed by the loss of her colleague. Allin-Khan took more than 50% of votes cast – albeit on a turnout much reduced since the 2015 general election (69.7% then to 42.5% today) – and with a majority of 6,357 over Conservative candidate Dan Watkins.Labour’s Rosena Allin-Khan won the Tooting byelection in south London last night, in a contest overshadowed by the loss of her colleague. Allin-Khan took more than 50% of votes cast – albeit on a turnout much reduced since the 2015 general election (69.7% then to 42.5% today) – and with a majority of 6,357 over Conservative candidate Dan Watkins.
Bill Gates has backed Britain remaining in the EU. In a letter to the Times, the Microsoft says the UK is “stronger, more prosperous and more influential” as a member of the union, and warns that Brexit would make it a “significantly less attractive place to do business and invest”.Bill Gates has backed Britain remaining in the EU. In a letter to the Times, the Microsoft says the UK is “stronger, more prosperous and more influential” as a member of the union, and warns that Brexit would make it a “significantly less attractive place to do business and invest”.
A poster unveiled by Nigel Farage for the leave campaign has been reported to the police with a complaint that it incites racial hatred. The Unison union general secretary, Dave Prentis, said he had contacted the Metropolitan police. The poster shows a queue of refugees with the slogan “Breaking point: the EU has failed us all.” Boris Johnson, head of the official Vote Leave campaign, said the poster was “not our campaign” and “not my politics”.A poster unveiled by Nigel Farage for the leave campaign has been reported to the police with a complaint that it incites racial hatred. The Unison union general secretary, Dave Prentis, said he had contacted the Metropolitan police. The poster shows a queue of refugees with the slogan “Breaking point: the EU has failed us all.” Boris Johnson, head of the official Vote Leave campaign, said the poster was “not our campaign” and “not my politics”.
5.52am BST5.52am BST
05:5205:52
Morning briefingMorning briefing
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
The death of Jo Cox casts a dark shadow over UK politics today – and the UK more widely. Tributes have come from across the political spectrum and across national boundaries: US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called it “a violent act of political intolerance”.The death of Jo Cox casts a dark shadow over UK politics today – and the UK more widely. Tributes have come from across the political spectrum and across national boundaries: US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called it “a violent act of political intolerance”.
Friends, colleagues, constituents and those who knew little of Cox before Thursday’s devastating events attended vigils to show respect for an MP cut down as she went about her work.Friends, colleagues, constituents and those who knew little of Cox before Thursday’s devastating events attended vigils to show respect for an MP cut down as she went about her work.
Here is what we now know:Here is what we now know:
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.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.Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life.
The referendum is a great exercise in democracy. But the campaign has been suspended, on both sides, out of respect for Jo and her family – and for that democracy that she served.The referendum is a great exercise in democracy. But the campaign has been suspended, on both sides, out of respect for Jo and her family – and for that democracy that she served.
One of the virtues of our parliamentary democracy is the everyday accessibility of MPs to the people they represent. It’s what makes the way we govern ourselves very different from many others. We believe in freedom, liberty and justice … Today’s horrible events are an assault on all of these values.One of the virtues of our parliamentary democracy is the everyday accessibility of MPs to the people they represent. It’s what makes the way we govern ourselves very different from many others. We believe in freedom, liberty and justice … Today’s horrible events are an assault on all of these values.
Jo’s death reminds us that our democracy is precious but fragile – we must never forget to cherish it.Jo’s death reminds us that our democracy is precious but fragile – we must never forget to cherish it.
Further readingFurther reading
CommentaryCommentary
Inevitably, we want to know what was behind the killing, what it means and what it says about us, our political system, our language and its consequences. It’s easy in these circumstances to assume and inflame; harder to be thoughtful and careful.Inevitably, we want to know what was behind the killing, what it means and what it says about us, our political system, our language and its consequences. It’s easy in these circumstances to assume and inflame; harder to be thoughtful and careful.
This column by Alex Massie in the Spectator has been widely praised:This column by Alex Massie in the Spectator has been widely praised:
When you shout BREAKING POINT over and over again, you don’t get to be surprised when someone breaks. When you present politics as a matter of life and death, as a question of national survival, don’t be surprised if someone takes you at your word. You didn’t make them do it, no, but you didn’t do much to stop it either.When you shout BREAKING POINT over and over again, you don’t get to be surprised when someone breaks. When you present politics as a matter of life and death, as a question of national survival, don’t be surprised if someone takes you at your word. You didn’t make them do it, no, but you didn’t do much to stop it either.
Sometimes rhetoric has consequences. If you spend days, weeks, months, years telling people they are under threat, that their country has been stolen from them, that they have been betrayed and sold down the river, that their birthright has been pilfered, that their problem is they’re too slow to realise any of this is happening, that their problem is they’re not sufficiently mad as hell, then at some point, in some place, something or someone is going to snap. And then something terrible is going to happen.Sometimes rhetoric has consequences. If you spend days, weeks, months, years telling people they are under threat, that their country has been stolen from them, that they have been betrayed and sold down the river, that their birthright has been pilfered, that their problem is they’re too slow to realise any of this is happening, that their problem is they’re not sufficiently mad as hell, then at some point, in some place, something or someone is going to snap. And then something terrible is going to happen.
Polly Toynbee in the Guardian says we have been encouraged “to despise the political class”:Polly Toynbee in the Guardian says we have been encouraged “to despise the political class”:
Contempt for politics is dangerous and contagious, yet it has become a widespread default sneer. There was Jo Cox, a dedicated MP, going about her business, doing what good MPs do, making herself available to any constituents with any problems to drop in to her surgery. Just why she became the victim of such a vicious attack, we may learn eventually. But in the aftermath of her death, there are truths of which we should remind ourselves right now.Contempt for politics is dangerous and contagious, yet it has become a widespread default sneer. There was Jo Cox, a dedicated MP, going about her business, doing what good MPs do, making herself available to any constituents with any problems to drop in to her surgery. Just why she became the victim of such a vicious attack, we may learn eventually. But in the aftermath of her death, there are truths of which we should remind ourselves right now.
Democracy is precious and precarious. It relies on a degree of respect for the opinions of others, soliciting support for political ideas without stirring up undue savagery and hatred against opponents …Democracy is precious and precarious. It relies on a degree of respect for the opinions of others, soliciting support for political ideas without stirring up undue savagery and hatred against opponents …
Something close to a chilling culture war is breaking out in Britain, a divide deeper than I have ever known, as I listen to the anger aroused by this referendum campaign. The air is corrosive, it has been rendered so. One can register shock at what has happened, but not complete surprise.Something close to a chilling culture war is breaking out in Britain, a divide deeper than I have ever known, as I listen to the anger aroused by this referendum campaign. The air is corrosive, it has been rendered so. One can register shock at what has happened, but not complete surprise.
Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell has written a personal tribute in the Telegraph to “my fearless friend Jo Cox”. Mitchell and Cox together set up the all-party parliamentary group on Syria, he writes:Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell has written a personal tribute in the Telegraph to “my fearless friend Jo Cox”. Mitchell and Cox together set up the all-party parliamentary group on Syria, he writes:
At the time, her party leadership was against military intervention in Syria and mine was in favour, which meant the atmosphere around the issue was quite heated. But she was completely uninterested in any of that. She just wanted to do the right thing …At the time, her party leadership was against military intervention in Syria and mine was in favour, which meant the atmosphere around the issue was quite heated. But she was completely uninterested in any of that. She just wanted to do the right thing …
It’s hard to believe that someone so brave and fearless and fun is dead, but the hardest thing to think about is her two lovely little children. They would come in to Portcullis House for tea with their mum, and now she’s gone.It’s hard to believe that someone so brave and fearless and fun is dead, but the hardest thing to think about is her two lovely little children. They would come in to Portcullis House for tea with their mum, and now she’s gone.
Comments will not be switched on for the live blog this morning. This might change later. In the meantime, do please feel free to contact me via Twitter @Claire_Phipps.Comments will not be switched on for the live blog this morning. This might change later. In the meantime, do please feel free to contact me via Twitter @Claire_Phipps.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.23am BSTat 6.23am BST