'Attack on our democracy': MPs honor Jo Cox in special parliament session
Members of the UK Parliament returned to Westminster for a special session Monday afternoon to pay tribute to assassinated Labour MP Jo Cox, placing red and white roses on her seat.
Red and white roses placed in House of Commons to mark Jo Cox's seat pic.twitter.com/JMDM3RfZsp
— Graeme Demianyk (@GraemeDemianyk) June 20, 2016
Party leaders united with speeches in memory of the MP for Batley and Spen, with John Bercow, Speaker of House of Commons opening the tributes, commemorating Cox for her “outstanding qualities.”
MPs will pay tribute to Jo Cox MP from 2.30pm today in the House of Commons Chamber https://t.co/P2nMOtrMLs
— House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) June 20, 2016
In Parliament for today's recall in memory of Jo Cox - mood of utter sadness and a determination to pay tribute to a truly wonderful person.
— Stephen Twigg (@StephenTwigg) June 20, 2016
Parliament had been in recess to allow members to campaign for the Brexit referendum, but they collectively put things on hold for two days after her murder.
Campaigning resumed Sunday, just in time for the TV morning chat shows and schedule speeches.
Today I was interviewed on the Andrew #Marr Show about the horrific attack on Jo Cox.https://t.co/AI2Ftdq2Dz
— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) June 19, 2016
If we carry on with current migration levels inside EU that's another 10 million people in the next 20 years.https://t.co/Tuty1x5JV9
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) June 19, 2016
Boris Johnson speech in favour of #Brexit on Sunday 19Jun1016 #BetterOffOut#VoteLeave#EUrefhttps://t.co/EfWc0WkjBS via @YouTube
— George Richardson (@ga_richardson) June 20, 2016
David Cameron: I don't think Britain is a quitter - we should stay and fight. #bbcqt#EURefhttps://t.co/GmLGlPYwrQ
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) June 19, 2016
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn lead Monday's tributes, telling the House: “She spent her life serving and campaigning for other people.”
“We must be aware her killing is an attack on our democracy, it is an attack on our whole democracy,” he added. “In her tragic death, we can come together, to change our politics, to tolerate a little more and condemn a little less.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said Cox “brought out the best in people” and remembered her aid work in Africa and support for refugees.
Alison McGovern, her voice breaking with emotion, quotes from Jo Cox's speech calling for the UK to help child refugees
— Owen Bennett (@owenjbennett) June 20, 2016
“Quite simply there are people around the world who are only alive because of Jo,” he said.
MPs had planned to sit together regardless of party affiliation as a sign of unity before moving on to St Margaret’s Church for a short memorial service, but normal seating arrangements were maintained, according to the BBC.
Thomas Mair, a Neo-Nazi-linked 52 year old from West Yorkshire, allegedly yelled “Britain First” as he shot, stabbed, and reportedly dragged the 41-year-old mother along the ground by her hair. He has been charged with her murder and appeared in court on Monday via video link from Belmarsh prison.
Thomas Mair, the man accused of killing the MP Jo Cox has appeared again in court via video link. He spoke only to confirm his name.
— Peter Walker (@peterwalker99) June 20, 2016
The act of terrorism outside a library in Birstall prompted an outpouring of public grief by communities from all walks of life.
Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, Mair gave his name as “death to traitors, freedom for Britain” and was charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense.