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/uk-news/live/2016/jun/17/jo-cox-death-police-labour-mp-latest-updates
The article has changed 32 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Next version
| Version 25 | Version 26 |
|---|---|
| Jo Cox killing: vigils held across the UK – live | Jo Cox killing: vigils held across the UK – live |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| 8.40pm BST | 8.40pm BST |
| 20:40 | 20:40 |
| Vigils have also been held in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Addressing the crowd in George Square, Glasgow, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale paid tribute to someone she said was “the very definition of a moral crusade, wrapped up in humour and love”. | Vigils have also been held in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Addressing the crowd in George Square, Glasgow, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale paid tribute to someone she said was “the very definition of a moral crusade, wrapped up in humour and love”. |
| The first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, also attended the vigil, which started with a minute’s silence among the 300-strong crowd. A book of condolence was opened for people to pay their respects. | |
| Sturgeon embraced the Scottish Labour leader before taking to the podium to pay tribute: “I didn’t know Jo personally, but given everything I’ve read over the past 24 hours, I’m deeply sorry that I didn’t have the opportunity to know her because she clearly was an inspiration to everybody whose lives she touched.” | |
| The event in Edinburgh was attended by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Labour MP Ian Murray. | The event in Edinburgh was attended by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Labour MP Ian Murray. |
| A vigil is due to be held in Belfast at midday on Sunday outside the City Hall, the Labour party in Northern Ireland said. | |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.07pm BST | |
| 8.26pm BST | 8.26pm BST |
| 20:26 | 20:26 |
| Helen Pidd | Helen Pidd |
| At least a thousand people crammed into a banqueting hall at a Muslim community centre in Batley on Friday night to pay tribute to Jo Cox. | At least a thousand people crammed into a banqueting hall at a Muslim community centre in Batley on Friday night to pay tribute to Jo Cox. |
| Lady Warsi was one speaker to reminisce warmly about her time with Cox, who persuaded her during the 2015 election to take part in an event about Islamophobia. “It takes a certain kind of Labour politician to convince the ex-chairman of the Conservative party to share a platform with her weeks before the general election, and to praise her for the work that she was doing. But that was Jo; working above the fray, across the political divide. She reminded us, many of us, why we entered politics. She allowed us to believe that we could make a difference and that we could change things,” said Warsi. | Lady Warsi was one speaker to reminisce warmly about her time with Cox, who persuaded her during the 2015 election to take part in an event about Islamophobia. “It takes a certain kind of Labour politician to convince the ex-chairman of the Conservative party to share a platform with her weeks before the general election, and to praise her for the work that she was doing. But that was Jo; working above the fray, across the political divide. She reminded us, many of us, why we entered politics. She allowed us to believe that we could make a difference and that we could change things,” said Warsi. |
| Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for nearby Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough, said Cox formed numerous friendships across party lines. “I first met Jo almost immediately after the general election. We were both asked to appear on the Sunday Politics show. I was taken by the BBC to the makeup room. She was having her makeup done and she instantly smiled at me and I knew within those first few seconds that this was a person I was going to enjoy knowing. She was so warm and so kind. In fact, I think the producers of the programme were a bit disappointed because we got on so well,” he said. | Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for nearby Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough, said Cox formed numerous friendships across party lines. “I first met Jo almost immediately after the general election. We were both asked to appear on the Sunday Politics show. I was taken by the BBC to the makeup room. She was having her makeup done and she instantly smiled at me and I knew within those first few seconds that this was a person I was going to enjoy knowing. She was so warm and so kind. In fact, I think the producers of the programme were a bit disappointed because we got on so well,” he said. |
| “From that moment on, every time I saw Jo – in a meeting in parliament or passing her in a corridor or whether it be at prime minister’s questions on the opposite side of the chamber, we would look at each other and smile.” | “From that moment on, every time I saw Jo – in a meeting in parliament or passing her in a corridor or whether it be at prime minister’s questions on the opposite side of the chamber, we would look at each other and smile.” |
| Various men from the local Muslim community paid tribute to Cox. Iqbal Bhana, deputy chair of the Al Hickmah centre, where the event was held, warned the audience that he may struggle to “keep it together” as he delivered his tribute, in which he recalled how Cox would always greet him with a hug: “My wife doesn’t even normally do that.” | Various men from the local Muslim community paid tribute to Cox. Iqbal Bhana, deputy chair of the Al Hickmah centre, where the event was held, warned the audience that he may struggle to “keep it together” as he delivered his tribute, in which he recalled how Cox would always greet him with a hug: “My wife doesn’t even normally do that.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.49pm BST | at 8.49pm BST |
| 8.14pm BST | 8.14pm BST |
| 20:14 | 20:14 |
| A two-minute silence in memory of Jo Cox has just been held in Parliament Square, in central London, followed by tributes paid to her by her fellow Labour MPs Wes Streeting, Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband. | A two-minute silence in memory of Jo Cox has just been held in Parliament Square, in central London, followed by tributes paid to her by her fellow Labour MPs Wes Streeting, Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband. |
| Miliband talked of pledging to “honour her (Cox’s) legacy”. He said: “Jo Cox only loved, she never hated. Tonight, from this square, we send our love to her husband Brendan, her two children and her family. And let us honour her memory by building a world where there is more love and less hate.” | Miliband talked of pledging to “honour her (Cox’s) legacy”. He said: “Jo Cox only loved, she never hated. Tonight, from this square, we send our love to her husband Brendan, her two children and her family. And let us honour her memory by building a world where there is more love and less hate.” |
| Harman said those present were “showing you mourn the loss of Jo Cox and mourn the tragic loss for her two children of their irreplaceable mother. And you show too your admiration for what she stood for”. | Harman said those present were “showing you mourn the loss of Jo Cox and mourn the tragic loss for her two children of their irreplaceable mother. And you show too your admiration for what she stood for”. |
| Cox’s fellow Commons newcomer, Streeting, said: “The solidarity we have seen in the last days has been overwhelming and, in time of overwhelming grief, it can be hard to find anything positive to hold on to ... What we can all do is to pledge ourselves to build the world that Jo was fighting for; a world of humanity, decency, compassion, solidarity, human rights, social justice, of simple kindness.” | Cox’s fellow Commons newcomer, Streeting, said: “The solidarity we have seen in the last days has been overwhelming and, in time of overwhelming grief, it can be hard to find anything positive to hold on to ... What we can all do is to pledge ourselves to build the world that Jo was fighting for; a world of humanity, decency, compassion, solidarity, human rights, social justice, of simple kindness.” |
| The Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, and the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, also attended the Parliament Square event. | The Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, and the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, also attended the Parliament Square event. |
| Vigils have also taken place across Wales. In Swansea’s Castle Square, about 300 people gathered to listen to several speakers paying tribute. | Vigils have also taken place across Wales. In Swansea’s Castle Square, about 300 people gathered to listen to several speakers paying tribute. |
| Mourners laid flowers and lit candles in front of a picture of Cox and a unveiled a banner featuring a quote from her: “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.” | Mourners laid flowers and lit candles in front of a picture of Cox and a unveiled a banner featuring a quote from her: “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.” |
| Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock, who shared an office with Cox and also worked with her in Brussels, said: “Jo stood for the things that is best about our country: internationalism, compassion and the view that you solve problems by working with people - not against them. | Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock, who shared an office with Cox and also worked with her in Brussels, said: “Jo stood for the things that is best about our country: internationalism, compassion and the view that you solve problems by working with people - not against them. |
| “It made no difference to Jo whether you were a constituent with a problem or a Syrian refugee. We have lost a someone who was a great force for good.” | “It made no difference to Jo whether you were a constituent with a problem or a Syrian refugee. We have lost a someone who was a great force for good.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.47pm BST | at 8.47pm BST |
| 7.42pm BST | 7.42pm BST |
| 19:42 | 19:42 |
| Vikram Dodd | Vikram Dodd |
| Counter-terrorism investigators have been involved since the start of the investigation, working alongside murder squad detectives. | Counter-terrorism investigators have been involved since the start of the investigation, working alongside murder squad detectives. |
| The north-east counter-terrorism unit has experience in investigating domestic extremism, the official term for far-right activity. Detectives from the unit will focus on the motive for the attack and it has specialists such as those in intelligence analysis, who can help the police inquiry. | The north-east counter-terrorism unit has experience in investigating domestic extremism, the official term for far-right activity. Detectives from the unit will focus on the motive for the attack and it has specialists such as those in intelligence analysis, who can help the police inquiry. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.50pm BST | at 7.50pm BST |
| 7.06pm BST | 7.06pm BST |
| 19:06 | 19:06 |
| Helen Pidd | Helen Pidd |
| Outside Batley town hall on Friday night, several hundred people gathered for a vigil to remember Jo Cox. A minute’s silence was led by a local priest, Rev Mark Umpleby. | Outside Batley town hall on Friday night, several hundred people gathered for a vigil to remember Jo Cox. A minute’s silence was led by a local priest, Rev Mark Umpleby. |
| Afterwards, Naz Shah, the MP for nearby Bradford West, was tearful as she described her shock at Cox’s death. “She was one of those women who should have made history. She’s the type of person legends are made of,” said Shah, who was – like Cox – part of the new intake to the Commons last May. “She had this incredible energy about her, and what was amazing was her dedication not just to her constituents but to her kids. You’d see her rushing off back to the boat to tuck her kids in and then she would cycle back to vote.” | Afterwards, Naz Shah, the MP for nearby Bradford West, was tearful as she described her shock at Cox’s death. “She was one of those women who should have made history. She’s the type of person legends are made of,” said Shah, who was – like Cox – part of the new intake to the Commons last May. “She had this incredible energy about her, and what was amazing was her dedication not just to her constituents but to her kids. You’d see her rushing off back to the boat to tuck her kids in and then she would cycle back to vote.” |
| Shah remembered a joyful meeting in Portcullis House with Cox and Stephen Kinnock, another 2015 parliamentary newcomer. Cox had brought her two small children, who were causing mayhem. “I remember saying to her, ‘We need a picture of this for your memoirs.’ She was trying to have a serious political conversation while her two little ones were running between her legs. I have a picture of us three next to a buggy, with a blur of her little boy running past.” | Shah remembered a joyful meeting in Portcullis House with Cox and Stephen Kinnock, another 2015 parliamentary newcomer. Cox had brought her two small children, who were causing mayhem. “I remember saying to her, ‘We need a picture of this for your memoirs.’ She was trying to have a serious political conversation while her two little ones were running between her legs. I have a picture of us three next to a buggy, with a blur of her little boy running past.” |
| Cox held a party on her boat on Tuesday for the 2015 intake but Shah was unable to make it. “It’s one of those things I will live to regret,” she said. | Cox held a party on her boat on Tuesday for the 2015 intake but Shah was unable to make it. “It’s one of those things I will live to regret,” she said. |
| Another vigil is due to take place at the Al Hikmah community centre in Batley at 7pm. | Another vigil is due to take place at the Al Hikmah community centre in Batley at 7pm. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.49pm BST | at 7.49pm BST |
| 6.29pm BST | 6.29pm BST |
| 18:29 | 18:29 |
| In a further indication of far-right reaction to the murder of Jo Cox, the Observer’s home affairs editor Mark Townsend reports that another Yorkshire MP received a death threat for sympathising with refugees the day before Jo Cox was murdered. | In a further indication of far-right reaction to the murder of Jo Cox, the Observer’s home affairs editor Mark Townsend reports that another Yorkshire MP received a death threat for sympathising with refugees the day before Jo Cox was murdered. |
| Notts Casual Infidels, a far-right group belonging to the extremist Infidels network, posted an image of York Central Labour MP Rachael Maskell addressing a “refugees welcome rally” at 9.39am on Thursday 15 June with the warning: “This bitch needs to disappear.” | Notts Casual Infidels, a far-right group belonging to the extremist Infidels network, posted an image of York Central Labour MP Rachael Maskell addressing a “refugees welcome rally” at 9.39am on Thursday 15 June with the warning: “This bitch needs to disappear.” |
| Hours after Cox’s death later that day, the same group said in a Facebook post: “We knew it was only a matter of time before we take it to the next level. We have been mugged off for Far to (sic) long.” The post was later deleted. | Hours after Cox’s death later that day, the same group said in a Facebook post: “We knew it was only a matter of time before we take it to the next level. We have been mugged off for Far to (sic) long.” The post was later deleted. |
| That follows the news that police are investigating a white supremacist group after applause for the killing was posted on one of its social media accounts. | That follows the news that police are investigating a white supremacist group after applause for the killing was posted on one of its social media accounts. |
| According to the anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate, at least nine MPs have been targeted by far-right activists during the past two years. | According to the anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate, at least nine MPs have been targeted by far-right activists during the past two years. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.22pm BST | at 7.22pm BST |
| 6.28pm BST | 6.28pm BST |
| 18:28 | 18:28 |
| New details about Cox’s killing were also released by the police. They said she was attacked as she arrived for her constituency surgery on Thursday – not after, as was previously thought. | New details about Cox’s killing were also released by the police. They said she was attacked as she arrived for her constituency surgery on Thursday – not after, as was previously thought. |
| “During the course of the incident, a 77-year-old man bravely intervened to assist Jo and in doing so sustained a serious injury to his abdomen and although now stable he remains in hospital,” the force’s temporary chief constable, Dee Collins, said. | “During the course of the incident, a 77-year-old man bravely intervened to assist Jo and in doing so sustained a serious injury to his abdomen and although now stable he remains in hospital,” the force’s temporary chief constable, Dee Collins, said. |
| She confirmed the north-east counter-terrorism unit would be providing specialist support and said that medical examinations had resulted in Mair being declared fit for both detention and interview, adding that detectives would continue to question him today. | She confirmed the north-east counter-terrorism unit would be providing specialist support and said that medical examinations had resulted in Mair being declared fit for both detention and interview, adding that detectives would continue to question him today. |
| It also emerged that Cox had twice received a “malicious communication of a sexual nature at her parliamentary office in Westminster”. Collins said that both incidents were investigated by the Metropolitan police and that one person – not Mair – was given an adult caution. | It also emerged that Cox had twice received a “malicious communication of a sexual nature at her parliamentary office in Westminster”. Collins said that both incidents were investigated by the Metropolitan police and that one person – not Mair – was given an adult caution. |
| “The other incident remains undetected. West Yorkshire police have not been made aware of any complaints or concerns from Jo Cox,” she said. | “The other incident remains undetected. West Yorkshire police have not been made aware of any complaints or concerns from Jo Cox,” she said. |
| Collins also praised members of the public who helped unarmed officers find and tackle the suspect. | Collins also praised members of the public who helped unarmed officers find and tackle the suspect. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.51pm BST | at 7.51pm BST |
| 6.11pm BST | 6.11pm BST |
| 18:11 | 18:11 |
| Suspect's far-right links are 'priority line of inquiry', police say | Suspect's far-right links are 'priority line of inquiry', police say |
| West Yorkshire police have released a statement saying that reports linking the man who shot Jo Cox to far-right extremism form a central part of their inquiries. | West Yorkshire police have released a statement saying that reports linking the man who shot Jo Cox to far-right extremism form a central part of their inquiries. |
| “[This is a] priority line of enquiry which will help us establish the motive for the attack on Jo. We are keeping an open mind and I do not wish to add to the speculation,” the force’s temporary chief constable, Dee Collins, said. | “[This is a] priority line of enquiry which will help us establish the motive for the attack on Jo. We are keeping an open mind and I do not wish to add to the speculation,” the force’s temporary chief constable, Dee Collins, said. |
| Police are also looking into reports surrounding suspect Tommy Mair’s “link to mental health services” and are seeking to find out “how the suspect came to be in possession of an unlawfully held firearm”. | Police are also looking into reports surrounding suspect Tommy Mair’s “link to mental health services” and are seeking to find out “how the suspect came to be in possession of an unlawfully held firearm”. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.25pm BST | at 6.25pm BST |
| 5.30pm BST | 5.30pm BST |
| 17:30 | 17:30 |
| “To the brutal, sudden end, Jo Cox was beating into the wind, refusing to drop causes and arguments she believed in passionately, even when they seemed doomed to defeat,” writes the Guardian’s Julian Borger, who met the MP in Westminster on Tuesday before she left for her West Yorkshire constituency. Read the full piece below: | “To the brutal, sudden end, Jo Cox was beating into the wind, refusing to drop causes and arguments she believed in passionately, even when they seemed doomed to defeat,” writes the Guardian’s Julian Borger, who met the MP in Westminster on Tuesday before she left for her West Yorkshire constituency. Read the full piece below: |
| Related: Meeting Jo Cox: a brush with dedication, passion and eloquence | Related: Meeting Jo Cox: a brush with dedication, passion and eloquence |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.44pm BST | at 5.44pm BST |
| 5.22pm BST | 5.22pm BST |
| 17:22 | 17:22 |
| Steven Morris | 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. | 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. |
| “My constituency staff have borne the brunt of it. This led to the direct death threat made to me on Wednesday and I would like to congratulate the police for moving so swiftly,” he told 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 would like to congratulate the police for moving so swiftly,” he told news agency SWNS. |
| Bradshaw said he, like all his parliamentary colleagues, were stepping up their security. “The security of MPs is constantly reviewed and of course it has [been looked at] as a result of Jo’s murder. We have all been advised to hold appointment-only surgeries, which I think is a sensible caution,” he said. | Bradshaw said he, like all his parliamentary colleagues, were stepping up their security. “The security of MPs is constantly reviewed and of course it has [been looked at] as a result of Jo’s murder. We have all been advised to hold appointment-only surgeries, which I think is a sensible caution,” he said. |
| “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. | “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 convoys 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 attend hundreds a year that are pre-advertised – none of us want to change that. Politicians driving in armoured convoys 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. | “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 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.” | “We all must live with a constant sense of vulnerability and this has made 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. | 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 1988 Malicious Communications Act and bailed to appear before Exeter magistrates.” | “The office informed parliamentary police and Devon and Cornwall police. A 37-year-old male from Exeter has been charged under the 1988 Malicious Communications Act and bailed to appear before Exeter magistrates.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.29pm BST | at 5.29pm BST |
| 5.16pm BST | 5.16pm BST |
| 17:16 | 17:16 |
| Anushka Asthana | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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: | 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. | At the time of writing, the page has received more than £37,000 in donations. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.25pm BST | at 5.25pm BST |
| 5.04pm BST | 5.04pm BST |
| 17:04 | 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: | 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. | 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. | 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 | Updated |
| at 5.19pm BST | at 5.19pm BST |
| 4.57pm BST | 4.57pm BST |
| 16:57 | 16:57 |
| Patrick Wintour | Patrick Wintour |
| The Guardian’s Patrick Wintour has written a tribute to Jo Cox: | 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. | 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. | 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 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. | 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. | 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 | Updated |
| at 5.22pm BST | 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 farright literature. | The Guardian understands that special police units that searched the house of Thomas Mair found samples of Nazi regalia and farright 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 7.53pm BST | at 7.53pm 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 |