Flag at half-mast over the UK parliament

Published on 16/06/2016 - 21:50

The UK mourns a Labour MP who has died after being attacked in the street in the north of England.

Flag flies at half-mast over Parliament
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The flag of the United Kingdom is flying at half mast outside the Houses of Parliament in London.

This time, MPs are mourning one of their own – Jo Cox, the 41-year- old Labour member for Batley and Spen in the county of West Yorkshire.

A husband’s moving tribute

On the day his wife lost her life in a shooting and stabbing attack, her husband has released a heart-rending statement to the press.

In it, Brendan Cox says “Hate doesn’t have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous.”

#Breaking Brendan Cox, husband of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, issues statement after her death pic.twitter.com/BsxpXOuE5w
— Press Association (@PA) June 16, 2016

Jo Cox, a rising star in British politics https://t.co/TE48Z5aseG
— AFP news agency (@AFP) June 16, 2016

Jo Cox believed the UK should stay in the EU.

The shock of her death has brought the country’s fierce and divisive referendum campaign to a shocked standstill.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Prime Minister David Cameron were among the first to pay tribute.

Reactions

Labour Party leader and Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn – “Jo Cox died doing her public duty”

The whole of the Labour family, and indeed the whole country, is in shock and grief at the horrific murder of Jo Cox pic.twitter.com/obic5pOCS3
— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) June 16, 2016

Prime Minister David Cameron – “It is right that we have suspended campaigning activity”

“We have lost a great star. She was an MP, a great campaigning MP with huge compassion, with a big heart. And people are going to be very very sad at what has happened. Dreadful news. It is right that we have suspended campaigning activity in this referendum, and everyone’s thoughts will be with Jo’s family and with her constituents at this terrible time.”

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron – “This is a devastating attack on our peaceful society.” > I am utterly heartbroken at the news of the death of Jo Cox. This is a devastating attack on our peaceful society. https://t.co/2942TfP8dk

— Tim Farron (@timfarron) June 16, 2016

Boris Johnson, MP, Leave campaigner – “Sad and shocked”

Sad & shocked to hear of Jo Cox's death. Appalling a MP should lose her life simply doing her best for constituents. Thoughts w/ Jo's family
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 16, 2016

Nigel Farage, leader of UKIP, MEP, leave campaigner – “Sincerest condolences to her family”

Deeply saddened to hear that Jo Cox has died. Sincerest condolences to her family.
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 16, 2016

Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament – “Deeply saddened”

Deeply saddened by attack on MP Jo_Cox1</a>. My thoughts go to her family, friends and staff</p>— EP President (EP_President) June 16, 2016

EU High representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini – “All my thoughts are with the family and friends of Jo Cox”

All my thougths with the family and friends of #JoCox, with UKLabour</a> and with all people of UK</p>— Federica Mogherini (FedericaMog) June 16, 2016

Ex-UK PM Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah – “Our memories will be forever scarred by this moment.”

'Our memories will be forever scarred by this moment' – Gordon and Sarah Brown pay tribute to Jo Cox. Read in full https://t.co/dYIRzfTp3a
— Gordon & Sarah Brown (@OfficeGSBrown) June 16, 2016

Oxfam – “Everyone is devastated at the loss of our much-loved and admired former colleague, Jo Cox MP”

All oxfamgb</a> are devastated at the loss of our much loved and admired former <a href="https://twitter.com/Oxfam">Oxfam colleague Jo Cox MP. Deep condolences to Jo's family
— Oxfam (@oxfamgb) June 16, 2016

Church packed for vigil

Dozens of friends and family gathered for a vigil at a church in Jo Cox’s West Yorkshire constituency.

The church will open its doors again on Friday to accommodate the number of people who want to pay their respects.

Hundreds attend the vigil at St Peter's Church in Birstall for Jo Cox MP pic.twitter.com/Ruyje7cvaI
— Sarah Goldthorpe (@SarahGoldt) June 16, 2016

Extremely moving singing from distraught community in St Peters church #Birstall vigil for #JoCox pic.twitter.com/WQ9LyIoUFf
— Gabriella Swerling (@GabriellaSwerl) June 16, 2016

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