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Jo Cox death: 'The well of hatred killed her,' Corbyn says – latest updates | Jo Cox death: 'The well of hatred killed her,' Corbyn says – latest updates |
(35 minutes later) | |
5.22pm BST | |
17:22 | |
Steven Morris | |
The Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw has been speaking after a man was charged over abusive remarks to his parliamentary office. He said his staff rather than him had borne the brunt of allegedly homophobic and racist remarks. | |
He told the news agency SWNS: “My constituency staff have borne the brunt of it. This led to the direct death threat made to me on Wednesday and I could like to congratulate the police for moving so swiftly.” | |
Bradshaw said he, like all his parliamentary colleagues, were now stepping up their security. He continued: “The security of MPs is constantly reviewed and of course it has as a result of Jo’s murder. We have all been advised to hold appointment only surgeries - which I think is a sensible caution. | |
“We have also been advised to let local police know about our movements. But we live in a free democracy and we value and cherish our elected representatives being out and about in public in their constituency. | |
“I attend hundreds a year that are pre-advertised - none of us want to change that. Politicians driving in armoured convoy and being protected by high walls is not the British way. But it is about getting the balance right and not allowing crimes like this to change our way of life. | |
“I just feel really numb with grief over what happened to Jo and desperately upset for Brendan and her family and loved ones. We all must live with a constant sense of vulnerability. I do think we should use this as a moment to reflect as a nation on the political culture we create. And I think politicians and commentators should think more carefully about what they say and do and the influence it has on people and what can open us up to hatred and violence. | |
“We all must live with a constant sense of vulnerability and this has made us that more acute. I can remember being attacked a couple of times physically during the hunting debate and most of my colleagues have had death threats over the years.” | |
Devon and Cornwall police said: “An abusive phone call to MP Ben Bradshaw was recorded on his parliamentary office answering machine and heard on Wednesday. | |
“The office informed parliamentary police and Devon and Cornwall police. A 37-year-old male from Exeter has been charged under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and bailed to appear before Exeter magistrates.” | |
5.16pm BST | |
17:16 | |
Anushka Asthana | |
Jo Cox’s closest friends have set up a fund in her name to raise money for three causes that she fought tirelessly for as an MP. | |
The group are asking people to donate to the causes – tackling loneliness, fighting against the politics of hate and extremism, and supporting search and rescue workers in Syria – through a website and are hoping to raise tens of thousands of pounds. | |
They want to cement a legacy for the popular Labour MP, whose killing has shocked politicians from all parties, with many lining up to praise her campaigning work. | |
The three charities chosen are ones that were close to Cox’s heart and to her family: | |
At the time of writing the page has received more than £37,000 in donations. | |
5.04pm BST | |
17:04 | |
Police forces are contacting MPs across the UK to give security advice following the attack, the Press Association reports. The advice is provided through a number of channels, including local police forces, and offers information to enable MPs to take the appropriate measures to deal with a range of security issues they may face. A spokeswoman for the National Police Chiefs Council said: | |
The advice, which has not changed but is kept under continual review, is supported by a range of security measures developed by the police to support MPs, working closely with the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and other partners. | |
Police forces are contacting their local MPs to reiterate our advice and consider any new security concerns they may have. Officers will offer further guidance and advice where an MP requests it on a case-by-case basis depending on any specific threat or risk. | |
Updated | |
at 5.19pm BST | |
4.57pm BST | |
16:57 | |
Patrick Wintour | |
The Guardian’s Patrick Wintour has written a tribute to Jo Cox: | |
There is possibly only one thing more moving than Brendan Cox’s brave tribute to his wife Jo, and that was listening to him read those raw words out over the phone in tears, and then asking quietly if it is alright. Brendan had rung me just after her death was formally announced, just because we are friends and he needed my little help to get her tribute to the media. Through mutual tears, we made one small change, so it was solely focused on his love for her, the protection of their children and determination to conquer the hatred that caused her death. | |
My family was due to see Jo and Brendan this weekend for a summer solstice gathering in their isolated house – no running water, bring your own alcohol, a 15-minute walk from the nearest road. Basically a field by a river and some music. It made their Thames houseboat feel luxurious. | |
Jo got people to do things they would never normally do. In my case I had bought a four person tent. Its assembly was something I was dreading, but my kids were too excited for words, already laughing at my imminent inability to put the damned thing up. | |
Jo had sent out a message that her children had just been through chicken pox, or chicken pops, as her kids called them. | |
Her note exuded a sense of energy and thoughtfulness, characteristics that exemplified her life. This Saturday that field, due to be full of laughter and children’s games, will stand empty, as will the lives of many of the friends she accumulated effortlessly every day. | |
Updated | |
at 5.22pm BST | |
4.41pm BST | 4.41pm BST |
16:41 | 16:41 |
Nadia Khomami | Nadia Khomami |
The all-party parliamentary group on ending homelessness, of which Jo Cox was a vice-chair, has responded to her death. The group’s chair, David Mackintosh MP, said: | The all-party parliamentary group on ending homelessness, of which Jo Cox was a vice-chair, has responded to her death. The group’s chair, David Mackintosh MP, said: |
It is with deepest sympathy that the APPG on ending homelessness must come to terms with the horrendous and senseless murder of our vice-chair Jo Cox MP. | It is with deepest sympathy that the APPG on ending homelessness must come to terms with the horrendous and senseless murder of our vice-chair Jo Cox MP. |
Jo was an incredibly intelligent and spirited MP, and instrumental in the setting up of the APPG on ending homelessness. Wholly dedicated to all forms of social inclusion, we talked often about our ideas for the future of the group. She was always full of ideas and energy. Jo was an incredibly compassionate and committed MP who believed in a better world. | Jo was an incredibly intelligent and spirited MP, and instrumental in the setting up of the APPG on ending homelessness. Wholly dedicated to all forms of social inclusion, we talked often about our ideas for the future of the group. She was always full of ideas and energy. Jo was an incredibly compassionate and committed MP who believed in a better world. |
The group is devastated by this terrible loss and send our condolences to Jo’s family at this difficult time. | The group is devastated by this terrible loss and send our condolences to Jo’s family at this difficult time. |
The APPG on ending homelessness will carry on the great work [that] Jo started and will continue to work across the different political parties to make Jo’s goal of ending homelessness a reality. | The APPG on ending homelessness will carry on the great work [that] Jo started and will continue to work across the different political parties to make Jo’s goal of ending homelessness a reality. |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.44pm BST | at 4.44pm BST |
4.31pm BST | 4.31pm BST |
16:31 | 16:31 |
Jeremy Cliffe, the Economist’s Bagehot columnist, has written a good article about the killing of Jo Cox and how hostility to politicians has gone too far. Here’s an extract. | Jeremy Cliffe, the Economist’s Bagehot columnist, has written a good article about the killing of Jo Cox and how hostility to politicians has gone too far. Here’s an extract. |
It is their very visibility to their constituents, that noble hallmark of the British system, that makes MPs targets for loners, extremists and the furious. The lurid rantings of such people regularly make it into parliamentary mailbags, as I have witnessed working in one MP’s office and visiting dozens of others as a journalist. In one, I was shown a thick wad of paper from one constituent, perhaps one hundred pages thick, filled with dense, spidery, scatological fantasies of violence and destruction. It was not untypical, I was told. | It is their very visibility to their constituents, that noble hallmark of the British system, that makes MPs targets for loners, extremists and the furious. The lurid rantings of such people regularly make it into parliamentary mailbags, as I have witnessed working in one MP’s office and visiting dozens of others as a journalist. In one, I was shown a thick wad of paper from one constituent, perhaps one hundred pages thick, filled with dense, spidery, scatological fantasies of violence and destruction. It was not untypical, I was told. |
The abuse is not confined to the deranged. It arises in an environment in which the stereotype of the lazy, venal, self-serving MP is depressingly widely accepted. This has deep roots in Britons’ ancient scepticism of authority. Yet particularly since the 2009 expenses scandal, when a handful of (frankly rather minor) scoundrels gave the decent majority a bad name, this has curdled into something darker; something nastier. In the heat of the EU referendum campaign, I have attended a series of events (for the leave side, it must be said) at which placid, middle-class, middle England types have parroted not just the usual gormless claims about MPs (“They’re all the same”, “They’re all in it for themselves”) but have tipped into outright conspiracy theorising. “Britain is not a democracy, its politicians are just puppets for shadowy corporate and foreign forces, they are traitors ...” | The abuse is not confined to the deranged. It arises in an environment in which the stereotype of the lazy, venal, self-serving MP is depressingly widely accepted. This has deep roots in Britons’ ancient scepticism of authority. Yet particularly since the 2009 expenses scandal, when a handful of (frankly rather minor) scoundrels gave the decent majority a bad name, this has curdled into something darker; something nastier. In the heat of the EU referendum campaign, I have attended a series of events (for the leave side, it must be said) at which placid, middle-class, middle England types have parroted not just the usual gormless claims about MPs (“They’re all the same”, “They’re all in it for themselves”) but have tipped into outright conspiracy theorising. “Britain is not a democracy, its politicians are just puppets for shadowy corporate and foreign forces, they are traitors ...” |
Yes, it is healthy for citizens to hold their representatives to account, to interrogate and challenge, to adopt a sceptical attitude towards the decisions they take, and to boot them out when they fail. But Britain in 2016 has gone far, far beyond that. A country so intensely suspicious about its leaders, so wide-eyed in its willingness to believe the worst, so thirsty for proof of betrayal and decadence, is not a country in a good place. | Yes, it is healthy for citizens to hold their representatives to account, to interrogate and challenge, to adopt a sceptical attitude towards the decisions they take, and to boot them out when they fail. But Britain in 2016 has gone far, far beyond that. A country so intensely suspicious about its leaders, so wide-eyed in its willingness to believe the worst, so thirsty for proof of betrayal and decadence, is not a country in a good place. |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.41pm BST | at 4.41pm BST |
4.22pm BST | 4.22pm BST |
16:22 | 16:22 |
Jo Cox lived in a houseboat when she was in London, and boat owners who knew her are planning their own tribute, the BBC’s Naomi Grimley reports. | Jo Cox lived in a houseboat when she was in London, and boat owners who knew her are planning their own tribute, the BBC’s Naomi Grimley reports. |
The community of boathouse owners who were neighbours to #JoCoxMP tell me they will sail their barges up to Westminster out of respect | The community of boathouse owners who were neighbours to #JoCoxMP tell me they will sail their barges up to Westminster out of respect |
Tower Bridge will be raised as a mark of respect when the flotilla of barges sails under it. | Tower Bridge will be raised as a mark of respect when the flotilla of barges sails under it. |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.30pm BST | at 4.30pm BST |
4.17pm BST | 4.17pm BST |
16:17 | 16:17 |
Nazi regalia and far right literature found at home of suspect | Nazi regalia and far right literature found at home of suspect |
We have more details about the suspect in the Jo Cox killing. | We have more details about the suspect in the Jo Cox killing. |
The Guardian understands that special police units that searched the house of Thomas Mair found samples of Nazi regalia and far right literature. | The Guardian understands that special police units that searched the house of Thomas Mair found samples of Nazi regalia and far right literature. |
Sources say Mair was lucid when first questioned. A picture is now emerging of a deliberately targeted attack in which he lay in wait for the MP as she emerged from her constituency surgery on Thursday. | Sources say Mair was lucid when first questioned. A picture is now emerging of a deliberately targeted attack in which he lay in wait for the MP as she emerged from her constituency surgery on Thursday. |
Here is our full story: | Here is our full story: |
Related: Jo Cox killing: Nazi regalia discovered at house of suspect | Related: Jo Cox killing: Nazi regalia discovered at house of suspect |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.19pm BST | at 4.19pm BST |
4.15pm BST | 4.15pm BST |
16:15 | 16:15 |
Britain Stronger in Europe has announced that it has suspended national campaigning tomorrow. Will Straw, its executive director, said: | Britain Stronger in Europe has announced that it has suspended national campaigning tomorrow. Will Straw, its executive director, said: |
Volunteers may choose to continue door-to-door leafleting in their own local areas, but the campaign nationally will not be doing so. We will also be making available tribute books for volunteers and members of the public who wish to mark their respects. | Volunteers may choose to continue door-to-door leafleting in their own local areas, but the campaign nationally will not be doing so. We will also be making available tribute books for volunteers and members of the public who wish to mark their respects. |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.20pm BST | at 4.20pm BST |
4.13pm BST | 4.13pm BST |
16:13 | 16:13 |
The Liberal Democrats have said that, like the Conservatives, they will not put up a candidate in the Batley and Spen byelection. Sal Brinton, the party’s president, said: | The Liberal Democrats have said that, like the Conservatives, they will not put up a candidate in the Batley and Spen byelection. Sal Brinton, the party’s president, said: |
The Liberal Democrats will not contest the forthcoming Batley and Spen byelection as a mark of respect. | The Liberal Democrats will not contest the forthcoming Batley and Spen byelection as a mark of respect. |
Tim Farron, myself and the whole Liberal Democrat party pass our sincere condolences to Brendan, their family and the wider Labour movement. Hate and fear will never win. | Tim Farron, myself and the whole Liberal Democrat party pass our sincere condolences to Brendan, their family and the wider Labour movement. Hate and fear will never win. |
The Green party is unlikely to put up a candidate. A spokesperson said: | The Green party is unlikely to put up a candidate. A spokesperson said: |
The Green party leadership is inclined not to stand in this election, but we respect the right of our local party to meet and agree their position with their members. They will be doing this over the coming days. In the meantime, we continue to pay our respects to Jo Cox, and send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family. | The Green party leadership is inclined not to stand in this election, but we respect the right of our local party to meet and agree their position with their members. They will be doing this over the coming days. In the meantime, we continue to pay our respects to Jo Cox, and send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family. |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.17pm BST | at 4.17pm BST |
4.06pm BST | 4.06pm BST |
16:06 | 16:06 |
Here is the Guardian’s Politics Weekly podcast, with Helen Pidd, Julian Borger, Sandra Laville, Anushka Asthana, Gary Younge and Tom Clark discussing the killing of Jo Cox. | Here is the Guardian’s Politics Weekly podcast, with Helen Pidd, Julian Borger, Sandra Laville, Anushka Asthana, Gary Younge and Tom Clark discussing the killing of Jo Cox. |
Updated | |
at 5.02pm BST | |
4.05pm BST | 4.05pm BST |
16:05 | 16:05 |
Syria Solidarity UK, a network representing about a dozen groups campaigning on behalf of Syrians, has put out a statement paying tribute to Jo Cox. Here’s an extract. | Syria Solidarity UK, a network representing about a dozen groups campaigning on behalf of Syrians, has put out a statement paying tribute to Jo Cox. Here’s an extract. |
Humanity lost a champion when Jo Cox was stolen from us. We are deeply saddened by the loss. We extend our most sincere condolences to Jo’s family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. | Humanity lost a champion when Jo Cox was stolen from us. We are deeply saddened by the loss. We extend our most sincere condolences to Jo’s family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. |
Syrian groups in Britain learned of her last year as a new MP prepared to speak up on Syria after two years of near-silence in the UK parliament. Her view of the crisis was moral and realistic, rigorous in seeking to understand what was happening, and clear in seeing what could and should be done. | Syrian groups in Britain learned of her last year as a new MP prepared to speak up on Syria after two years of near-silence in the UK parliament. Her view of the crisis was moral and realistic, rigorous in seeking to understand what was happening, and clear in seeing what could and should be done. |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.16pm BST | at 4.16pm BST |
4.00pm BST | 4.00pm BST |
16:00 | 16:00 |
More than 20,000 people have left tributes to Jo Cox at Avaaz, the online campaigning organisation. Avaaz is describing it as an online vigil and some of the messages will be displayed at a physical vigil in Parliament Square, central London, tonight at 7.30pm. | More than 20,000 people have left tributes to Jo Cox at Avaaz, the online campaigning organisation. Avaaz is describing it as an online vigil and some of the messages will be displayed at a physical vigil in Parliament Square, central London, tonight at 7.30pm. |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.04pm BST | at 4.04pm BST |
3.46pm BST | 3.46pm BST |
15:46 | 15:46 |
Vote Leave has announced that it is suspending major campaign events tomorrow, such as a planned rally in Birmingham, the Press Association reports, but door-to-door leaflet distribution will continue at a local level. | Vote Leave has announced that it is suspending major campaign events tomorrow, such as a planned rally in Birmingham, the Press Association reports, but door-to-door leaflet distribution will continue at a local level. |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.04pm BST | at 4.04pm BST |
3.28pm BST | 3.28pm BST |
15:28 | 15:28 |
Vigils being held in honour of Jo Cox tonight | Vigils being held in honour of Jo Cox tonight |
At least 20 vigils are being held in honour of Jo Cox around the country, mostly later this afternoon and tonight. | At least 20 vigils are being held in honour of Jo Cox around the country, mostly later this afternoon and tonight. |
Here is a full list of the ones that we know about. | Here is a full list of the ones that we know about. |
Today | Today |
Pontypool – 4pm | Pontypool – 4pm |
We will be holding a vigil in Torfaen in memory of the wonderful Jo Cox MP at 4pm outside Pontypool Civic Centre. All welcome. | We will be holding a vigil in Torfaen in memory of the wonderful Jo Cox MP at 4pm outside Pontypool Civic Centre. All welcome. |
Peterborough – 4.30pm | Peterborough – 4.30pm |
Leicester – 5pm | Leicester – 5pm |
Reading – 5pm | Reading – 5pm |
Worthing – 5.30pm | Worthing – 5.30pm |
Cardiff – 6pm | Cardiff – 6pm |
**CORRECTION** The Vigil in memory of Jo Cox will begin at 6pm this evening at the Senedd followed by speeches at 6:30pm. | **CORRECTION** The Vigil in memory of Jo Cox will begin at 6pm this evening at the Senedd followed by speeches at 6:30pm. |
Swansea – 6pm | Swansea – 6pm |
tonight at 6pm Swansea will hold a vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Come in love and share our memories and respect for Jo. #weloveyoujocox | tonight at 6pm Swansea will hold a vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Come in love and share our memories and respect for Jo. #weloveyoujocox |
Edinburgh – 6.30pm | Edinburgh – 6.30pm |
Birmingham – 7pm | Birmingham – 7pm |
Brighton – 7pm | Brighton – 7pm |
Durham – 7pm | Durham – 7pm |
Glasgow – 7pm | Glasgow – 7pm |
Leeds – 7pm | Leeds – 7pm |
Manchester – 7pm | Manchester – 7pm |
Wolverhampton – 7pm | Wolverhampton – 7pm |
We are holding a vigil tonight at 7pm at Cenotaph in #Wolverhampton to pay tribute to our friend & colleague #JoCoxMP | We are holding a vigil tonight at 7pm at Cenotaph in #Wolverhampton to pay tribute to our friend & colleague #JoCoxMP |
York – 7pm | York – 7pm |
This evening the University of York Labour Club are hosting a vigil at 7pm on Greg's Place in memory of Jo Cox MP. All are welcome. | This evening the University of York Labour Club are hosting a vigil at 7pm on Greg's Place in memory of Jo Cox MP. All are welcome. |
Ellesmere Port – 7.30pm | Ellesmere Port – 7.30pm |
We are holding a vigil this evening at 7.30pm in the Civic Square, Ellesmere Port to show our respect to Jo Cox. All are welcome. | We are holding a vigil this evening at 7.30pm in the Civic Square, Ellesmere Port to show our respect to Jo Cox. All are welcome. |
Lewes – 7.30pm. | Lewes – 7.30pm. |
I can’t find a link, but a reader has sent me this: “Lewes vigil for Jo Cox, Cliffe High Street, wear black, bring candles.” | I can’t find a link, but a reader has sent me this: “Lewes vigil for Jo Cox, Cliffe High Street, wear black, bring candles.” |
London – 7.30pm | London – 7.30pm |
Saturday | Saturday |
Southampton - 12pm | Southampton - 12pm |
Nottingham – 7pm | Nottingham – 7pm |
Sunday | Sunday |
Sheffield – 7pm | Sheffield – 7pm |
Updated | Updated |
at 4.37pm BST | at 4.37pm BST |
3.07pm BST | 3.07pm BST |
15:07 | 15:07 |
Kevin Rawlinson | Kevin Rawlinson |
Police are investigating a white supremacist group after applause for the murder of the MP Jo Cox on Thursday was posted on one of its social media accounts, the Guardian’s Kevin Rawlinson has learned. | Police are investigating a white supremacist group after applause for the murder of the MP Jo Cox on Thursday was posted on one of its social media accounts, the Guardian’s Kevin Rawlinson has learned. |
The news emerged after a wealth of material glorifying the killing was posted online by far-Right supporters. Reports have also emerged linking the man arrested over the Batley and Spen MP’s killing to white supremacist groups. | The news emerged after a wealth of material glorifying the killing was posted online by far-Right supporters. Reports have also emerged linking the man arrested over the Batley and Spen MP’s killing to white supremacist groups. |
Officers from Northumbria police are investigating tweets posted on the account of the north-east chapter of National Action, a group that holds regular avowedly racist demonstrations and has campaigned for Britain to leave the EU, the force said on Friday. | Officers from Northumbria police are investigating tweets posted on the account of the north-east chapter of National Action, a group that holds regular avowedly racist demonstrations and has campaigned for Britain to leave the EU, the force said on Friday. |
One of the tweets glorified the suspected killer, Tommy Mair. Another read: “only 649 MPs to go.” | One of the tweets glorified the suspected killer, Tommy Mair. Another read: “only 649 MPs to go.” |
According to the US anti-hate campaign Southern Poverty Law Center, Mair had bought books including manual on how to make a homemade pistol from a US neo-Nazi group the National Alliance. | According to the US anti-hate campaign Southern Poverty Law Center, Mair had bought books including manual on how to make a homemade pistol from a US neo-Nazi group the National Alliance. |
Northumbria police said its intelligence officers were investigating the account, which is believed to be controlled by someone outside the region. “Depending on what comes back with our inquiries, we will send a package to the [relevant] force to get that person arrested”, the force said. | Northumbria police said its intelligence officers were investigating the account, which is believed to be controlled by someone outside the region. “Depending on what comes back with our inquiries, we will send a package to the [relevant] force to get that person arrested”, the force said. |
Asked if it stood by the tweets posted on one of its regional accounts, National Action said: “We have no interest in participating with this nation in any empty gestures of pity. Anyone who chooses to wallow in such depraved moral signalling deserves only ridicule.” | Asked if it stood by the tweets posted on one of its regional accounts, National Action said: “We have no interest in participating with this nation in any empty gestures of pity. Anyone who chooses to wallow in such depraved moral signalling deserves only ridicule.” |
Matt Collins, head of research at Hope Not Hate, said: “Why are we allowing such a toxic atmosphere of threats, hatred and racism to flourish? Where has gone the decency in our society, where good men and women stand up to this?” | Matt Collins, head of research at Hope Not Hate, said: “Why are we allowing such a toxic atmosphere of threats, hatred and racism to flourish? Where has gone the decency in our society, where good men and women stand up to this?” |
3.02pm BST | 3.02pm BST |
15:02 | 15:02 |
Bercow's speech in full: 'She had a huge amount more to give' | Bercow's speech in full: 'She had a huge amount more to give' |
Here is the full text of the speech by John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, on Jo Cox. He was with David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn in Birstall. | Here is the full text of the speech by John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, on Jo Cox. He was with David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn in Birstall. |
Today I think everybody is united in grief, in horror and in an overpowering respect for somebody who we came to know, whose talents we admired, whose passion we observed on a daily basis. There are legitimate differences, as the prime minister and the leader of the opposition have said, and those differences on matters of policy will always be there and that’s part of the democratic dialogue. | Today I think everybody is united in grief, in horror and in an overpowering respect for somebody who we came to know, whose talents we admired, whose passion we observed on a daily basis. There are legitimate differences, as the prime minister and the leader of the opposition have said, and those differences on matters of policy will always be there and that’s part of the democratic dialogue. |
But we are able to come together and to say two things: first of all, as everybody here knows, Jo Cox was a quite outstanding member of parliament who in 13 months representing her constituency made an extraordinary impression on her colleagues, on the media and I’m quite certain on her constituents. | But we are able to come together and to say two things: first of all, as everybody here knows, Jo Cox was a quite outstanding member of parliament who in 13 months representing her constituency made an extraordinary impression on her colleagues, on the media and I’m quite certain on her constituents. |
As has already been said, she had a huge amount more to give and she was inspired by a moral passion, a fixity of purpose and a deep-rooted conviction which she shared with Brendan and of which Brendan and her children and her colleagues and her constituency can be incredibly proud. | As has already been said, she had a huge amount more to give and she was inspired by a moral passion, a fixity of purpose and a deep-rooted conviction which she shared with Brendan and of which Brendan and her children and her colleagues and her constituency can be incredibly proud. |
And secondly, it was a despicable and appalling act which has shocked not merely people in Batley and Spen but right across the country – and, I suspect, many millions of people around the world. | And secondly, it was a despicable and appalling act which has shocked not merely people in Batley and Spen but right across the country – and, I suspect, many millions of people around the world. |
Evil cannot be allowed and will not be allowed to triumph over good. We just have to underline our determination as politicians across the spectrum that free speech and the right of people to go about their business and the pursuit of principle will continue, and it will not be dulled or dimmed or cowed in any way by people who think that violence and the spirit of hatred can be allowed to triumph. That has not happened, as I think we are demonstrating today, and it will not happen – not now and not at any time. | Evil cannot be allowed and will not be allowed to triumph over good. We just have to underline our determination as politicians across the spectrum that free speech and the right of people to go about their business and the pursuit of principle will continue, and it will not be dulled or dimmed or cowed in any way by people who think that violence and the spirit of hatred can be allowed to triumph. That has not happened, as I think we are demonstrating today, and it will not happen – not now and not at any time. |
Everybody here must be incredibly proud of Jo Cox. From my vantage point, I got to see her, I got to hear her, I knew of her passion, I knew of her commitment, I knew of her ability and I knew of her quite extraordinary hard work. Everyone here today knows that and we’ve come together in grief, in admiration and in respect. | Everybody here must be incredibly proud of Jo Cox. From my vantage point, I got to see her, I got to hear her, I knew of her passion, I knew of her commitment, I knew of her ability and I knew of her quite extraordinary hard work. Everyone here today knows that and we’ve come together in grief, in admiration and in respect. |
3.00pm BST | 3.00pm BST |
15:00 | 15:00 |
Matthew Weaver | Matthew Weaver |
Jo Cox’s last words were “my pain is too much,” according to Gulham Maniyar the father of Cox’s assistant Fazila Aswat who was with the MP during the attack. | Jo Cox’s last words were “my pain is too much,” according to Gulham Maniyar the father of Cox’s assistant Fazila Aswat who was with the MP during the attack. |
Speaking to ITV News, Maniyar, a former Labour councillor, said: | Speaking to ITV News, Maniyar, a former Labour councillor, said: |
“I don’t know full facts at the moment because my daughter is in shock but she’d [Jo] gone for surgery and as soon as she’d come out of the car, she [Jo] was sitting on the back seat, as soon as she’s [Jo] come out of the back door, by the time my daughter came out of the car she saw Jo Cox lying on the floor. She tried to help her but she couldn’t do anything. She’d been stabbed and shot. | “I don’t know full facts at the moment because my daughter is in shock but she’d [Jo] gone for surgery and as soon as she’d come out of the car, she [Jo] was sitting on the back seat, as soon as she’s [Jo] come out of the back door, by the time my daughter came out of the car she saw Jo Cox lying on the floor. She tried to help her but she couldn’t do anything. She’d been stabbed and shot. |
“She was with my daughter. They’d left Batley office, they were in the marketplace, she was in my daughter’s car sitting in the back seat. The car stopped and Jo decided to come out. My daughter didn’t know she’d been shot. Because this person must be waiting outside where the surgery happens.” | “She was with my daughter. They’d left Batley office, they were in the marketplace, she was in my daughter’s car sitting in the back seat. The car stopped and Jo decided to come out. My daughter didn’t know she’d been shot. Because this person must be waiting outside where the surgery happens.” |
“She said her [Jo’s] injury was so bad and she was in her arms. There was lots of blood. She said ‘Jo, get up’ but she [Jo] said ‘no, my pain is too much, Fazila’. And I think those were the last words Jo spoke. She could not do anything else. She tried to comfort her. Then the police came, the air ambulance came, they took her to hospital. She was a witness and her clothes were full of blood.” | “She said her [Jo’s] injury was so bad and she was in her arms. There was lots of blood. She said ‘Jo, get up’ but she [Jo] said ‘no, my pain is too much, Fazila’. And I think those were the last words Jo spoke. She could not do anything else. She tried to comfort her. Then the police came, the air ambulance came, they took her to hospital. She was a witness and her clothes were full of blood.” |
“She tried to help her, she tried to hit [the attacker] with her handbag but he tried to go at her. People came so he followed them and he came back again and shot her [Jo] again twice.” | “She tried to help her, she tried to hit [the attacker] with her handbag but he tried to go at her. People came so he followed them and he came back again and shot her [Jo] again twice.” |
2.50pm BST | 2.50pm BST |
14:50 | 14:50 |
CPS special crimes and counter-terror prosecutors involved | CPS special crimes and counter-terror prosecutors involved |
It is understood that prosecutor in the special crimes and counter-terrorism unit at the CPS are involved in the case. | It is understood that prosecutor in the special crimes and counter-terrorism unit at the CPS are involved in the case. |
A CPS spokesperson said: “We are supporting and advising the police in their investigation.” | A CPS spokesperson said: “We are supporting and advising the police in their investigation.” |
The unit is led by Sue Hemmings and has been in discussions with detectives investigating the case. | The unit is led by Sue Hemmings and has been in discussions with detectives investigating the case. |
Updated | Updated |
at 3.18pm BST | at 3.18pm BST |