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Jo Cox death: suspect 'bought gun guides from neo-Nazis' – latest updates Jo Cox death: suspect 'bought gun guides from neo-Nazis' – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
12.03pm BST
12:03
This is from the American embassy.
"We are shocked & appalled that a member of the UK Parliament, Ms Jo Cox, was murdered while doing her public duty." https://t.co/ZvlgAEOU3v
12.01pm BST
12:01
Justine Greening, the international development secretary, has been among those paying tribute to Jo Cox at Parliament Square. She was close to tears as she told Sky News:
We worked very closely together on Syria, and the air drops, and she was just a lovely person, so I just wanted to come down and show my respect. She obviously served her local community with real dedication. She’s like many of us; she came her because she had a real vocation. It is just absolutely devastating what’s happened to her.
11.54am BST
11:54
Matthew Weaver
“We have lost one of us,” said Mike Cook the headteacher of Heckmondwike Grammar School where Jo Cox was head girl.
Speaking to the Guardian he said:
She visited the school just a year ago and she was, as everyone describes, full of life, full of compassion, and determination to do the best she possible could for the people that she represented.
We have had a special assembly this morning and special prayers for Jo and her family. I was reminding them of how she was just doing her job, representing the local people and representing us.
The school is grieving collectively for Jo and there’s a very strong sense of community in our school. Although Jo was 41 and the oldest children in our school we have in school are 18, they clearly consider that we have lost one of us. One of our community, a local girl, [who] made the opportunity of all the opportunities that the school presented in her time here. Just as the current crop do. There is a sombre mood, filled with respect for everything that Jo has achieved. Deeply saddened that she won’t be able to carry on making that impact that she had clearly begun to do. There is very very low mood in school today.
In a statement Cook added:
She was head girl and went on to Pembroke College, Cambridge, and continued to make an impact everywhere she went.
The school community would like to add its tributes to those of so many others at this extraordinarily sad time. Jo exemplified and embodied all the school’s values and we are very proud of her association with her.
The expressions of grief and admiration reflect the Jo we knew and respected. Driven by a deep urge to do what is right, and to stand up for the disadvantaged and those in our world least able to represent themselves, Jo gave a voice to the powerless.
She did so with great compassion and tireless determination, and she did so peacefully. Clearly, therefore, we considered her a shining example to subsequent cohorts of students.
She had already made a difference in her political career and we are truly saddened that her brilliant contribution has been foreshortened in this shocking and cruel manner.
Special prayers have been said in school today for Jo, and for the family and friends she leaves behind, and our thoughts are with Brendan and their two children especially.
Updated
at 11.59am BST
11.50am BST
11:50
Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, is due to visit Birstall, where Jo Cox was killed, later today to pay tribute.
11.35am BST
11:35
Stephen Timms, the Labour MP who was stabbed in the stomach in his constituency surgery in 2010, told BBC News that parliamentarians would not want to make themselves less accessible in response to the killing of Jo Cox. He said that perhaps some security measures for MPs could be improved, but that they would not want to cut themselves off from the public.
What none of us would want is a big change in the culture of our country which would make it much harder for people to get to speak to, get to meet their MPs. After I was attacked the police did say to me, would you like a metal detector on the way into the surgery. But the problem with that is that it would make going to see your MP a pretty unpleasant experience. And none of us want that to happen.
11.18am BST11.18am BST
11:1811:18
Helen PiddHelen Pidd
At the Yorkshire Shooting Centre in Mirfield, six miles away from Birstall, staff said Thomas Mair was not a customer, our Northern editor Helen Pidd reports.At the Yorkshire Shooting Centre in Mirfield, six miles away from Birstall, staff said Thomas Mair was not a customer, our Northern editor Helen Pidd reports.
A worker called Andy said: “He’s not known to us. We checked all our records and we don’t know him. He’s not been at the shooting range or bought guns or ammunition from us.A worker called Andy said: “He’s not known to us. We checked all our records and we don’t know him. He’s not been at the shooting range or bought guns or ammunition from us.
“It’s not easy to possess a firearm: it’s probably easier to buy one on the black market than to do it legally. It seems this is an unfortunate isolated incident.”“It’s not easy to possess a firearm: it’s probably easier to buy one on the black market than to do it legally. It seems this is an unfortunate isolated incident.”
11.15am BST11.15am BST
11:1511:15
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
The Metropolitan police have confirmed that a man was arrested in March after Cox complained about abusive messages. The man arrested was not Thomas Mair.The Metropolitan police have confirmed that a man was arrested in March after Cox complained about abusive messages. The man arrested was not Thomas Mair.
In a statement Scotland Yard said:In a statement Scotland Yard 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 subsequently accepted a police caution.
The man who accepted the police caution is not the man in custody in West Yorkshire.The man who accepted the police caution is not the man in custody in West Yorkshire.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.19am BSTat 11.19am BST
11.12am BST11.12am BST
11:1211:12
After winning the Tooting byelection for Labour on Thursday, Rosena Allin-Khan paid tribute to Jo Cox instead of making a victory speech. Here’s video of her remarks:After winning the Tooting byelection for Labour on Thursday, Rosena Allin-Khan paid tribute to Jo Cox instead of making a victory speech. Here’s video of her remarks:
11.10am BST11.10am BST
11:1011:10
Here is Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, commenting on the killing of Jo Cox.Here is Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, commenting on the killing of Jo Cox.
In Berlin German Chancellor #Merkel called #JoCox's death "terrible and dramatic". pic.twitter.com/QgI0qc5bl6In Berlin German Chancellor #Merkel called #JoCox's death "terrible and dramatic". pic.twitter.com/QgI0qc5bl6
11.05am BST11.05am BST
11:0511:05
Mair bought homemade gun guide from neo-Nazi groupMair bought homemade gun guide from neo-Nazi group
The man arrested over the killing of the MP Jo Cox bought books from a US-based neo-Nazi group, including guides on how to build homemade guns and explosives, according an anti-hate campaign group in the US, Matthew Weaver and Nicky Woolf report.The man arrested over the killing of the MP Jo Cox bought books from a US-based neo-Nazi group, including guides on how to build homemade guns and explosives, according an anti-hate campaign group in the US, Matthew Weaver and Nicky Woolf report.
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) published receipts that appeared to show Thomas Mair bought, among other books, a manual on how to make a homemade pistol from the National Alliance.The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) published receipts that appeared to show Thomas Mair bought, among other books, a manual on how to make a homemade pistol from the National Alliance.
The receipts, some of which date back to the 1990s, showed Mair spent more than $620 (£436) on literature from the group, which advocates the creation of an all-white homeland and the eradication of Jewish people.The receipts, some of which date back to the 1990s, showed Mair spent more than $620 (£436) on literature from the group, which advocates the creation of an all-white homeland and the eradication of Jewish people.
He bought books that instructed readers on the “chemistry of powder & explosives”, “incendiaries”, and a work called Improvised Munitions Handbook. The handbook included detailed instructions on constructing a pipe pistol using parts available in DIY stores.He bought books that instructed readers on the “chemistry of powder & explosives”, “incendiaries”, and a work called Improvised Munitions Handbook. The handbook included detailed instructions on constructing a pipe pistol using parts available in DIY stores.
Receipted items also included Ich Kampfe, an illustrated handbook issued to members of the Nazi party in 1942.Receipted items also included Ich Kampfe, an illustrated handbook issued to members of the Nazi party in 1942.
Related: Jo Cox suspect bought gun manuals from US neo-Nazis, group claimsRelated: Jo Cox suspect bought gun manuals from US neo-Nazis, group claims
11.02am BST
11:02
Matthew Weaver
MPs have signalled they won’t be intimidated by the murder of Jo Cox by going ahead with constituency surgeries.
Labour and Conservative politicians have been advised to talk to local police forces about the security measures they have in place for meetings with the public.
Emails from the whips’ offices of both parties were sent out in the hours after Cox was killed. Since then several MPs have defiantly announced they will be holding Friday surgeries.
This morning I will be at Dartmouth Academy meeting students then at 2pm at Dartmouth Guildhall for an open meeting, everyone welcome
PA has more:
Dan Jarvis, Labour MP for Barnsley Central, said: “I know MPs are scared. We’ll be reviewing our security, but I’ll walk through Barnsley today like every Friday.”
Jonathan Reynolds, MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, said: “I plan to keep to all my engagements today, including my surgery. I will ensure there is security present however.”
The SNP MP Joanna Cherry said she would be holding a two-hour constituency surgery.
Holly Lynch, Labour MP for Halifax, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “I think you do have to bear in mind the safety of your staff at all times as well, who are quite often with you when you’re meeting members of the public, and so you cannot avoid taking these risks and concerns very, very seriously, but to not let it stop you from being the effective MP that your constituents deserve.”
The Labour former minister Yvette Cooper told the programme: “All of us will tell you it’s so important for MPs to be embedded in the community that we represent.
“If you go down to Asda and someone stops you to tell you about a problem with their neighbour or the fact their mum’s back garden is flooded, you write the details down on the back of a till receipt or something like that.
“That kind of daily discussion you have in the constituency is so incredibly important and no one would ever want to put that at risk.”
Rachel Reeves, Labour MP for Leeds West, said her constituency office was temporarily closed.
She told the BBC: “We mustn’t let the actions of this man drive a wedge between MPs and the people we were elected to serve.
“The work of an MP in our surgeries, our work in the community, must continue but I think it’s right today that as well as ceasing the campaigning in the referendum that we close our office.”
Katie Pruszynski, a former assistant to the Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, said MPs were “lightning rods for people who are angry and frustrated” and someone had once threatened to eat her “like a wolf”.
She told the Yorkshire Post:
“MPs are so public-facing and not infrequently you would get someone desperately upset and and emotional and that can extend into being threatening and abusive and sometimes there are people who are quite disturbed.
“I remember being screamed at by someone clearly quite disturbed that they would find me and eat me like a wolf.”
Updated
at 11.13am BST
11.00am BST
11:00
Flags have been flying at half mast over public buildings in honour of Jo Cox.
Updated
at 11.09am BST
10.53am BST
10:53
One of the best tributes to Jo Cox published today is this one, in the Yorkshire Post, by Kate Proctor, who knew her well.
10.47am BST
10:47
Shapps says Tories should not put up a candidate in byelection following Cox's death
The Conservative MP Grant Shapps, a former party co-chairman, has suggested that the Tories give Labour a free run in the byelection that will take place following the death of Jo Cox as a mark of respect.
I hope that in the sad by-election to follow, Jo Cox's constituency is left uncontested as a tribute to Jo's extraordinary public service
There is some precedent for a major party not putting up a candidate in a byelection. When the Tory MP David Davis resigned to fight a byelection in 2008 to protest about Labour’s plans to extend the amount of time terror suspects could be held without charge, Labour did not oppose him.
But at the last byelection held following the killing of an MP, in Eastbourne, Ian Gow’s seat, in 1990, all the main parties did put up candidates. The argument was made that normal democratic politics should continue.
Cox had a majority of 6,057 in 2015. Her constituency, Batley and Spen, voted Tory in 1992, but it has been Labour since 1997.
Updated
at 10.49am BST
10.34am BST
10:34
On the BBC News the Labour MP Anna Turley expressed some support for the idea of recalling parliament to allow MPs to pay tribute to Jo Cox. Turley said that she knew some MPs “want to come together to share that grief and, most importantly, our memories of Jo”.
The Commons is in recess until Monday week, after the EU referendum. At the moment there are no plans for a recall. Number 10’s view is that there should be a time for MPs to pay tribute, but that the timing (ie, whether it can wait until the Commons comes back on Monday 27 June) is a matter to be decided in consultation with Cox’s family.
Updated
at 10.47am BST
10.20am BST
10:20
The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has posted a message on Twitter expressing his shock at what happened to Jo Cox.
Profondément choqué par le meurtre hier de Jo Cox, dans ce qui n'est rien d'autre qu'une atteinte intolérable contre la démocratie.
This translates as:
Deeply shocked by the murder yesterday of Jo Cox, in what is nothing other than an intolerable affront against democracy.
10.14am BST
10:14
The Russian embassy has posted a message on Twitter saying it is appalled by the killing of Jo Cox.
Appalled by murder of Jo Cox. Nothing could symbolize more democracy as antithesis to violence. #jocoxMP pic.twitter.com/r8BONCdTQL
10.01am BST
10:01
The death of Jo Cox was raised in the Canadian parliament yesterday. Nathan Cullen, a Canadian MP who met her when they were both engaged in humanitarian work abroad and who was a friend, paid an emotional tribute to her. By the end he appeared to be in tears, and fellow MPs gave him a standing ovation. He told colleagues:
Mr Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Jo Cox, a mom of two beautiful children, a friend, a dedicated Labour MP, and a long advocate of human rights in Britain and around the world, who was murdered today. She dedicated her passion to those who needed it most, and she harnessed her limitless love, even and especially for those who allowed hate to consume them.
Updated
at 10.04am BST
9.45am BST
09:45
Matthew Weaver
Police were considering giving Jo Cox extra security protection after she was subjected to three months of abusive messages, according to the Times.
There is no known link between the messages and yesterday’s attack, the paper pointed out.
It said additional security was being considered at her constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, where the attack took place, as well as at her houseboat in London.
Separately, Devon and Cornwall police said a 37-year-old man was being held in custody over an abusive phone call made to the office of the Labour MP Ben Bradshaw.
A statement from the force said: “An abusive phone call to MP Ben Bradshaw was recorded on his office answering machine. The office contacted parliamentary police and Devon and Cornwall police.
Updated
at 10.00am BST
9.44am BST
09:44
Gabrielle Giffords, who was a congresswoman when she was shot in the head in 2011, has been using Twitter to express her horror at the killing of Jo Cox.
Absolutely sickened to hear of the assassination of Jo Cox. She was young, courageous, and hardworking. A rising star, mother, and wife.
The assassination of MP Jo Cox at the hands of a man driven by hatred is a manifestation of a coarseness in our politics that must stop.
The scores of events that I and so many others like Jo Cox have hosted represent the importance of a democracy connected to its citizens.
I grieve for Jo Cox’s family, friends, constituents, and for the people of Great Britain.
Updated
at 9.46am BST