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Jo Cox death: police investigate motive for killing of Labour MP – latest news Death of Jo Cox: police investigate motive for killing of Labour MP – latest news
(35 minutes later)
9.06am BST
09:06
Lord Kinnock, the former Labour leader, sounded close to tears as he paid tribute to Jo Cox on BBC News this morning. Cox used to work for his wife Glenys when she was an MEP. You can watch it here.
Here’s an excerpt.
We’ve known Jo since she came to work for Glenys in the European parliament 20 years ago, and it would be no exaggeration to say that both of us felt about her as if she was a beloved niece, because that’s the kind of relationship it was.
She was a woman of huge intelligence, sparkling. She was merry, she had a marvellous sense of dedicated purpose without any kind of piety or pomposity at all. She was wonderful company but she was also a ferociously effective political activist and she showed that before she became a member of parliament and we were hugely proud when she was selected and then elected. We both went up to speak for her and it was obvious then that the community had taken Jo to its heart – just like everybody else did. You’ve spoken to people from across the political spectrum and you don’t produce testimonies like that unless you are quite extraordinary and she certainly was …
It’s a death in the family, there’s no doubt at all about that – our family, the Labour family, the family of Batley and Spen – because that’s the kind of feeling, the response that she nourished. There’s a phrase from Shelley, ‘a day-star of the age’ and Jo Cox was a day-star.
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Andrew Sparrow
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Claire. I will be blogging today with my colleague Matthew Weaver.
We’ve already mentioned the result of the Tooting byelection, but here, for the record, are the results in full.
Rosena Allin-Khan (Lab) 17,894 (55.92%, up 8.73%) Dan Watkins (C) 11,537 (36.05%, down 5.83%) Esther Obiri-Darko (Green) 830 (2.59%, down 1.52%) Alex Glassbrook (LD) 820 (2.56%, down 1.37%) Elizabeth Jones (UKIP) 507 (1.58%, down 1.29%) Des Coke (CPA) 164 (0.51%) Howling Laud Hope (Loony) 54 (0.17%) Graham Moore (Eng Dem) 50 (0.16%) Akbar Ali Malik (Immigrants) 44 (0.14%) Ankit Love (Love) 32 (0.10%) Zirwa Javaid (Ind) 30 (0.09%) Zia Samadani (Ind) 23 (0.07%) Bobby Smith (GMBE) 9 (0.03%) Smiley Smillie (Ind) 5 (0.02%)
Lab maj 6,357 (19.87%)
7.28% swing C to Lab
Electorate 74,695; Turnout 31,999 (42.84%, -26.88%)
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8.45am BST
08:45
What we know so far
Claire Phipps
Here is what we now know, with all political campaigning suspended in the wake of the violent death of Jo Cox yesterday.
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.
It is cruel and terrible that her life was cut short by a violent act of political intolerance … This is how we must honour Jo Cox – by rejecting bigotry in all its forms, and instead embracing, as she always did, everything that binds us together.
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.
Jo’s death reminds us that our democracy is precious but fragile – we must never forget to cherish it.
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At the close of the Today programme discussion, Cooper and Lynch were asked about the tone of political discourse.At the close of the Today programme discussion, Cooper and Lynch were asked about the tone of political discourse.
Lynch said she would welcome a more “respectful approach”:Lynch said she would welcome a more “respectful approach”:
We’ve all been a bit taken aback by the nature and the tone of this referendum … We’ve all had to get used to that … this is the nature of politics.We’ve all been a bit taken aback by the nature and the tone of this referendum … We’ve all had to get used to that … this is the nature of politics.
Cooper said she felt the mood had changed:Cooper said she felt the mood had changed:
There has been an increase in vitriol in public debate … that’s never healthy.There has been an increase in vitriol in public debate … that’s never healthy.
Disagreements are essential but there’s a feeling that there is more nastiness … The thing about Jo is that she would always have stood against that.Disagreements are essential but there’s a feeling that there is more nastiness … The thing about Jo is that she would always have stood against that.
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Both MPs said it was crucial that MPs did not become cut off from the communities they serve, after reports that Labour colleague Rachel Reeves has closed her constituency office today over security concerns.Both MPs said it was crucial that MPs did not become cut off from the communities they serve, after reports that Labour colleague Rachel Reeves has closed her constituency office today over security concerns.
Lynch told the BBC:Lynch told the BBC:
As many of my colleagues have said, to be a good MP you have to be rooted in your constituency, you have to be as available as possible … It’s incredibly difficult to then think about what the future looks like, how to manage those safety risks but also be effective.As many of my colleagues have said, to be a good MP you have to be rooted in your constituency, you have to be as available as possible … It’s incredibly difficult to then think about what the future looks like, how to manage those safety risks but also be effective.
Cooper agreed:Cooper agreed:
It’s so important for MPs to be embedded in the community you represent … that kind of daily discussion you have is so incredible important.It’s so important for MPs to be embedded in the community you represent … that kind of daily discussion you have is so incredible important.
[But] you also want to make sure your staff are properly protected.[But] you also want to make sure your staff are properly protected.
She said most encounters with constituents were warm, but tragedies such as yesterday’s “hit the headlines and break everyone’s heart”.She said most encounters with constituents were warm, but tragedies such as yesterday’s “hit the headlines and break everyone’s heart”.
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Labour MPs Yvette Cooper and Holly Lynch have been speaking on the Today programme:Labour MPs Yvette Cooper and Holly Lynch have been speaking on the Today programme:
Cooper described Jo Cox “as somebody who saw life and shook it up”:Cooper described Jo Cox “as somebody who saw life and shook it up”:
It is unbearable to feel she has had hers stolen away. Most of us are struggling to process it …It is unbearable to feel she has had hers stolen away. Most of us are struggling to process it …
She never opted for the easy path, she would walk towards problems rather than walk away from them.She never opted for the easy path, she would walk towards problems rather than walk away from them.
Cooper singled out Cox’s work to assist refugees:Cooper singled out Cox’s work to assist refugees:
She seized on a challenge and we all encouraged her to do that …She seized on a challenge and we all encouraged her to do that …
She was brilliant, seized on things, was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but also for her family … She never stopped doing both and doing both brilliantly. She was a fantastic mum as well as an amazing politician.She was brilliant, seized on things, was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but also for her family … She never stopped doing both and doing both brilliantly. She was a fantastic mum as well as an amazing politician.
Lynch – who, like Cox, became an MP in the election last year – remembered:Lynch – who, like Cox, became an MP in the election last year – remembered:
Coming into Westminster, it is a funny place to get your head wrapped around – she always seemed to have a clarity.Coming into Westminster, it is a funny place to get your head wrapped around – she always seemed to have a clarity.
She was able to use her personality and her experience to build support right across the chamber.She was able to use her personality and her experience to build support right across the chamber.
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In Birstall this morning, the site where Jo Cox was attacked, close to the library where she held her regular surgery for constituents, remains under police investigation.In Birstall this morning, the site where Jo Cox was attacked, close to the library where she held her regular surgery for constituents, remains under police investigation.
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In the wake of the killing of Jo Cox, and widespread revulsion at the fact she was attacked as she worked in her constituency, #ThankYourMP has popped up on Twitter, with voters taking the time to acknowledge the work that MPs do.In the wake of the killing of Jo Cox, and widespread revulsion at the fact she was attacked as she worked in her constituency, #ThankYourMP has popped up on Twitter, with voters taking the time to acknowledge the work that MPs do.
It’s a useful reminder that there is a lot of slog and long hours often going on behind the public face of Westminster.It’s a useful reminder that there is a lot of slog and long hours often going on behind the public face of Westminster.
Here is a (fairly randomly picked) selection:Here is a (fairly randomly picked) selection:
@JacobReesMogg our politics could not be more different. Yet you have listened, and helped our autistic boys more than once #thankyourMP@JacobReesMogg our politics could not be more different. Yet you have listened, and helped our autistic boys more than once #thankyourMP
Thank you @MaryCreaghMP for all the hard work you do in my area. You make a difference. You are appreciated.#ThankYourMPThank you @MaryCreaghMP for all the hard work you do in my area. You make a difference. You are appreciated.#ThankYourMP
Thank you for working for so many years as our MP @AdamAfriyie #ThankYourMPThank you for working for so many years as our MP @AdamAfriyie #ThankYourMP
I disagree with @GiselaStuart on the EU Ref, but I also know how great she is for her local constituents and always has been #ThankYourMPI disagree with @GiselaStuart on the EU Ref, but I also know how great she is for her local constituents and always has been #ThankYourMP
Thank you @stellacreasy for your fight against legal loan sharks, your feminism (& your love of indie music) #thankyourmpThank you @stellacreasy for your fight against legal loan sharks, your feminism (& your love of indie music) #thankyourmp
Very humbling & touching 2 receive messages of support via #ThankYourMP its privilege & pleasure 2 serve people of Rutherglen & HamiltonWestVery humbling & touching 2 receive messages of support via #ThankYourMP its privilege & pleasure 2 serve people of Rutherglen & HamiltonWest
7.38am BST7.38am BST
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Politicians have been warned to review their security today, Press Association reports.Politicians have been warned to review their security today, Press Association reports.
A No 10 spokeswoman said a reminder of safety guidance has been sent out to MPs after Jo Cox was attacked in Birstall, West Yorkshire.A No 10 spokeswoman said a reminder of safety guidance has been sent out to MPs after Jo Cox was attacked in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
The advice includes steps representatives can take to stay safe when they are “out and about” and suggests if they have any concerns they should contact their local police.The advice includes steps representatives can take to stay safe when they are “out and about” and suggests if they have any concerns they should contact their local police.
Separately, a study in the the Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology in January 2016 examined the “harassment and stalking” of MPs, and made some startling conclusions. Of 239 Westminster MPs who took part:Separately, a study in the the Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology in January 2016 examined the “harassment and stalking” of MPs, and made some startling conclusions. Of 239 Westminster MPs who took part:
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Some MPs have appealed for a recall of parliament to allow MPs to pay their respects to Cox in the House of Commons.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.Parliament is currently suspended in the run-up to next Thursday’s referendum.
The Labour MP Angela Smith told BBC Newsnight:The 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.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.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.Downing Street has so far not indicated any intention to recall parliament.
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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.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: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: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.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 …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.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.
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The 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 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.)(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: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.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.It’s not a big journey from saying horrible things to doing horrible things.
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In the early hours of Friday morning, Rosena Allin-Khan became Westminster’s newest MP, winning the Tooting byelection – in a seat vacated by the London mayor, Sadiq Khan – for Labour.In the early hours of Friday morning, Rosena Allin-Khan became Westminster’s newest MP, winning the Tooting byelection – in a seat vacated by the 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%.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”: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.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.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. The Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq noted:Allin-Khan ought to have been Labour’s 100th female MP today. Instead there are still 99. The 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.Congratulations to Rosena for winning Tooting. What an absolute tragedy that she won't be Labour's 100th woman in Parliament. Devastating.
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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 the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, his deputy, Tom Watson, and Westminster colleagues.An impromptu memorial was held in Parliament Square, attended by the 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 would fly at half mast today.Downing Street said flags across Whitehall would 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.
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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
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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.
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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 co-founder 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 co-founder 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”.
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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: the 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: the 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.
The 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:The 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.
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at 7.58am BSTat 7.58am BST