Politicians from across the party spectrum have paid tribute to Jo Cox MP who was shot and killed in her constituency this afternoon.
‘The whole of the Labour Party and Labour family – and indeed the whole country – will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today,’ Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a statement. ‘Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity.’
David Cameron described Cox as ‘a great campaigning MP with huge compassion and a big heart’.
The 41-year old Labour MP for Batley and Spen was shot and stabbed following a constituency meeting. A 52-year old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, and a full police investigation is underway.
EU referendum campaigning has been suspended by both sides in light of the attack.
Cox was elected to the House of Commons in 2015. Formerly a humanitarian campaigner, she quickly became known for championing the rights of women and refugees, and for her engagement with the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
‘Jo was dedicated to getting us to live up to our promises to support the developing world and strengthen human rights,’ Corbyn continued. ‘She brought those values and principles with her when she became an MP.’
Her husband, Brendan Cox, issued the following statement:
“Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. More difficult, more painful, less joyful, less full of love. 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 with an energy, and a zest for life that would exhaust most people.
She would have wanted two things above all else to happen now, one that our precious children are bathed in love and two, that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate doesn’t have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous.
Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full.”