Labour MP for Batley and Spen shot after advice surgery
52-year-old man arrested
Police investigating reports suspect shouted ‘Britain first’
6.54pm BST
Nick Gannon, 33, who lived two doors down from Thomas Mair – the man named locally as the suspected killer – knew him since he was 10 years old.
“It’s shocking. He were a quiet guy, you would not think it of him. He would cut elderly people’s grass voluntarily. There were no reason to think he would be capable of something like this.”
6.46pm BST
Gabrielle Giffords, the US House of Representatives member who survived being shot in the head in 2011, has tweeted:
Absolutely sickened to hear of the assassination of Jo Cox. She was young, courageous, and hardworking. A rising star, mother, and wife.
6.37pm BST
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband is the latest Labour figure to pay tribute to Jo Cox:
My heart breaks for the loss of Jo Cox and for Brendan and their kids. She was so full of life and joy. Words feel hopeless right now.”
6.30pm BST
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has issued a statement in response to the death of Jo Cox.
This is utterly shocking and tragic news, which has left everyone stunned.
My thoughts this evening are with Jo Cox’s family - my heart breaks for them. Although I didn’t know Jo personally, I know she was held in huge regard as a brilliant young woman, who had already contributed a huge amount in her time in Parliament, and today she was simply going about her job as a local MP.
6.14pm BST
Tributes are coming not only from politicians but from charities – Jo Cox worked in the humanitarian field for many years. The interim chief executive of Save the Children, Tanya Steele, said:
Our heartfelt thoughts are with the family of Jo Cox. She has been a great friend and supporter of Save the Children fighting for the rights of children here in the UK and around the world. As a member of parliament, she was an outspoken advocate for the children of Syria. At this terrible time, our sincere condolences go to Jo’s husband Brendan, who was Save the Children’s director of policy and advocacy until last year.
6.10pm BST
Jo Cox made her maiden speech in June last year. The full text is here in the Yorkshire Post. In it she speaks with pride about her Yorkshire roots and discusses issues such as economic regeneration, the HS2 rail project and her commitment to the EU. Here is a flavour of what she said:
Batley and Spen is a gathering of typically independent, no-nonsense and proud Yorkshire towns and villages. Our communities have been deeply enhanced by immigration, be it of Irish Catholics across the constituency or of Muslims from Gujarat in India or from Pakistan, principally from Kashmir. While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us...
Businesses in my constituency want help to address the skills mismatch at local level which leaves employers with staff shortages and young people without jobs. They want access to reliable sources of finance, including a network of local banks. They want to connect to a regional infrastructure that works for them, not rail price hikes of more than 126% and endless delays to key transport projects such as the electrification of the line from Manchester to Leeds. Many businesses in Yorkshire want the security and stability of Britain’s continued membership of the European Union, a cause I look forward to championing passionately in this place and elsewhere...
I am Batley and Spen born and bred, and I could not be prouder of that. I am proud that I was made in Yorkshire and I am proud of the things we make in Yorkshire. Britain should be proud of that, too. I look forward to representing the great people of Batley and Spen here over the next five years.
5.58pm BST
Gordon Brown, the former prime minister, has put out this statement about the death of Jo Cox.
Our memories will be for ever scarred by this moment. Our hearts will always be hurt at our country’s loss.
Jo Cox was the most vivacious, personable, dynamic and committed friend you could ever have. Whenever you talked to her, the compassion in her eyes and the commitment in her soul shone through. Years of public service advancing the causes she cared passionately about should have been ahead of her.
I am heartbroken. Jo had a truly remarkable spirit and passion that shone through in her work with Oxfam and with me on our countless campaigns for women and children.
Jo cared about everybody but she reserved a special place in her heart for the most vulnerable and the poorest citizens of the world.
5.51pm BST
Brendan Cox, the MP’s husband, has issued a statement about her death. He says she would have wanted everyone to unite “to fight against the hatred that killed her”.
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.
5.46pm BST
David Cameron has posted a further tribute on Twitter.
PM on Jo Cox: We’ve lost a great star. Jo was a great campaigning MP with huge compassion & a big heart. My thoughts are with her family.
5.45pm BST
Here are some more of the tributes to Jo Cox from MPs and other British politicians on Twitter.
Incredibly sad to hear shocking news about Jo Cox. All my thoughts with Brendan and their children
One of liveliest, bravest & most passionate MPs. Thoughtful, creative, determined. Cannot believe we have lost you @Jo_Cox1
Very sad to learn that Labour MP Jo Cox has died following appalling attack. Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Deeply saddened to hear Jo Cox MP has died. My thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends
Shocking & devastating news to hear Jo Cox has died. She will be much missed across Parliament. My thoughts & prayers are with her family xx
Devastating news about Jo Cox MP. Thoughts and prayers with her family and colleagues at this sad time.
Pauline & I are devastated to hear of Jo Cox's murder. A brilliant campaigner & local MP. Such a terrible loss to her family and to us all.
Appalling news. My thoughts with Jo Cox's husband and children. Please let us stay calm and wait for the police to establish what happened.
Utterly heartbroken my friend Jo Cox has died - killed when doing her duty. Thinking of Brendan & her children now. pic.twitter.com/QYyrySfIHA
Terribly sad to hear of the death of Jo Cox, senselessly killed working for her constituents.
Jo Cox was much loved by both sides. This casts a pall over all politics.
My thoughts and prayers with the family of Jo Cox MP who was just doing her job serving the community she represented for too short a time.
Jo Cox was the most lovely person, heartfelt sympathy to her husband her children & the community she devoted herself to
5.38pm BST
Here is David Cameron on the death of Jo Cox.
The death of Jo Cox is a tragedy. She was a committed and caring MP. My thoughts are with her husband Brendan and her two young children.
5.37pm BST
Here is a statement from Theresa May, the home secretary, on the death of Jo Cox.
Home Secretary Theresa May's full statement after the awful murder of Jo Cox MP: pic.twitter.com/mpdV8eq9OI
5.35pm BST
Here is the statement by Dee Collins, the temporary chief constable of West Yorkshire police.
I’m now very sad to have to report that [Jo Cox] has died as a result of her injuries.
Before going into further detail I would like to express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends at this tragic time.
5.25pm BST
And this is from Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader.
The whole of the Labour movement is devastated at Jo’s death. We have lost a colleague so young who had much more to contribute to public life. She was our future.
It is hard to comprehend how a compassionate, principled and beautiful person can be taken away from us so cruelly. It’s even more devastating because she was doing what she did best - serving her constituents.
5.24pm BST
Jeremy Corbyn has issued this tribute to Jo Cox.
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.
Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity. She worked both for Oxfam and the anti-slavery charity, the Freedom Fund, before she was elected last year as MP for Batley and Spen – where she was born and grew up.
5.21pm BST
Dee Collins says the police think this was a lone incident.
But high-visibility patrols are in the area.
5.20pm BST
Dee Collins says the police are attending a number of scenes.
5.20pm BST
Q: Have you got the weapons?
Dee Collins says some weapons have been recovered.
5.19pm BST
Q: What can you say about reports the man shouted “Britain First”?
Dee Collins says she is not able to say at present. But the police want witnesses to come forward.
5.18pm BST
Mark Burns-Williamson, the West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner, expresses his condolences to Cox’s family. He says this was a localised incident.
5.17pm BST
Dee Collins says another person, a 77-year-old man, was attacked.
Jo Cox was declared dead by a doctor at the scene, she says.
5.15pm BST
Dee Collins, the temporary chief constable of West Yorkshire police, announces that Jo Cox has died.
5.12pm BST
West Yorkshire police are due to hold a press conference about the attack on Jo Cox shortly.
Waiting for the police press conference to begin - expecting an update on the attack on Jo Cox MP. pic.twitter.com/qHRdhdpg5T
5.10pm BST
Here are some more MPs expressing support for Jo Cox on Twitter.
1/2 Truly shocking news about Jo Cox MP. I did a broadcast with her on Syria; she is brave and well-informed. Wishing her a swift recovery
Horrific news about Jo Cox. Thoughts are with her family and friends.
We are all praying for Jo Cox.
Shocked by news of terrible attack on Jo Cox. Thoughts are with Jo and her family.
Such an appalling & cowardly attack on Jo Cox MP, thinking of her & her family.
Shocking news about @Jo_Cox1 Our prayers for her and family
Heading to Tooting to campaign in the byelection there, but thoughts are all with Jo Cox hoping she'll pull through
I'm horrified by the attack on Jo Cox. My thoughts are with her and her family.
5.02pm BST
There was police activity shortly after the attack at a semi-detached house on the Fieldhead estate in Birstall. Thomas Mair, 52, is the registered occupier of the address, according to the electoral roll, Vikram Dodd, Nazia Parveen and Robert Booth report.
A police cordon surrounded the house as a helicopter circled overheard and forensic officers in boiler suits appeared to be searching the neat front garden, as well as around garages at the back of the well-maintained property.
5.00pm BST
Local resident Sam Watson told the BBC that people from nearby shops rushed to help. He said:
We were outside there and then we heard loads of screaming and then we looked down the corner. There were a woman lying behind a red car. And then when we looked over the road, some of the Sandwich and Co, from another sandwich shop across the road, were getting another man that was injured and bringing him into their shop.
And then the guy had a black hat on, and he was just casually walking away. He weren’t running - he was just walking. He walked up through the market.
4.47pm BST
Enda Kenny, the Irish prime minister, has cancelled an EU referendum speech he was due to give this evening following the attack on Jo Cox.
Following the appalling attack on Jo Cox MP & the suspension of campaigning I will not be speaking on the EU/UK referendum this evening.
4.43pm BST
Here are some more expressions of support for Jo Cox from fellow MPs.
Horrified to hear reports of attack on Jo Cox. My thoughts are with Jo and her family.
Praying for Jo Cox's recovery. She has been a staunch advocate for Syria & its refugees and a great local MP. Thoughts with her family today
Thoughts, love and solidarity with you, Brendan, with the children and with Jo. https://t.co/Rpi2rkXDYj
Thoughts & prayers with @Jo_Cox1 & family, hoping all her special reserves of strength which have served so many others now serve herself.
Can't stop thinking about my intelligent, principled & beautiful colleague @Jo_Cox1. Love to her family.
Devastating news about my Parliamentary colleague Jo Cox. In a state of shock at the barbarity of the attack. All my thoughts are with her.
Attack on Jo Cox is truly shocking - prayers and thoughts with her and her family at this awful time
Sad, shocked and appalled to learn of the horrific attack on Jo Cox. My thoughts are with Jo and her family at this difficult time.
Horrified by the news about Jo Cox. My thoughts and prayers her family and friends at this difficult time.
Love, thoughts and best wishes. D https://t.co/YRGy2oituM
Thoughts are with you and the kids Brendan x https://t.co/ohJn8Es7qk
My thoughts are with Jo Cox MP and her family.
So upset about what has happened to my lovely, immensely hard working and dedicated colleague Jo Cox. Thoughts very much with her family
Thinking of Jo Cox and her family, wishing and willing everything will be ok xxxxx
Shocked & horrified by news of unbelievable attack on our colleague Jo Cox. Thoughts and prayers for Jo, her family & loved ones.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jo Cox and her family during this most difficult time.
4.31pm BST
This is from BuzzFeed’s Emily Ashton.
Jo Cox backed the Dubs amendment for Britain to accept 3,000 child refugees. Here’s what she said in the Commons. pic.twitter.com/Ev4wSgo90V
4.20pm BST
4.18pm BST
The acting Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy has tweeted about the attack on Jo Cox.
Condeno la terrible agresión sufrida por la diputada británica Jo Cox. La violencia no tiene cabida en democracia. Deseo su recuperación. MR
I condemn the terrible attack on the British representative Jo Cox. Violence has no place in democracy. I hope for her recovery. MR
4.14pm BST
This is from Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, Charlie Flanagan.
The fact that Ms Cox was attacked in this vicious way in the course of carrying out her duties for her constituents is deeply shocking.
The suspension of the remain and leave campaigns for today is an apt recognition that today’s horrific incident was an attack, not just on Ms Cox personally, but on the practice of democratic politics.
4.09pm BST
Nick Clegg, a longtime friend of Jo Cox’s, said his thoughts were with her and her family, friends and colleagues.
I am deeply shocked as someone who knows Jo. She is a lovely decent person, full of goodwill to everybody. My heart goes out to her and everybody affected.
But also it is such a vile affront to our democracy.
What is clear is that Jo Cox was attacked doing what politicians do most days when they are out-with parliament – holding a constituency surgery.
To be attacked like that is deeply alarming and very concerning.
4.05pm BST
Jo Cox’s fellow Labour MP Alison McGovern said: “Jo brought her dedication and her passion both for her home town and for the causes she had fought for all her life to parliament.”
She added that the kind of detailed, knowledgeable parliamentary questions asked by Cox underlined the fact that she used her expertise, including on development issues, to hold the government to account.
She’s that kind of clever, brilliant, committed person who uses parliament to stand up for the people in the world who most need us.
4.04pm BST
Brendan Cox, Jo’s husband, has posted this picture of her on Twitter within the last few minutes.
pic.twitter.com/mPOaytowxN
3.57pm BST
Terry Flynn-Edwards, who runs the Divine hair studio, opposite the scene of the attack, said a man from the dry cleaners had tried to stop the attack.
She said: “She walked out of the library with her PA and he was waiting for her. He stabbed her first and this guy tried to stop him and then he shot her.”
3.52pm BST
Jayda Fransen, deputy leader of Britain First, said the party was “looking into the reports right now”.
“We were extremely shocked to see these reports and we are keen to confirm them, because of course at the moment it is hearsay,” she said. “This has just been brought to our attention. This is absolutely not the kind of behaviour we would condone.”
3.50pm BST
3.46pm BST
Police are also investigating reports the suspect shouted “Britain First”, a possible reference to the far-right political party, as he launched the attack, Vikram Dodd, Nazia Parveen and Robert Booth report.
Graeme Howard, 38, who lives in nearby Bond Street, told the Guardian he heard the man shout “Britain First” before the shooting and during the arrest.
3.43pm BST
And this is from Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission.
Deeply shocked by news of terrible attack against MP Jo Cox. Thoughts and prayers with her husband and children.
3.37pm BST
This is from Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury.
Deeply shocked to hear about the attack on Jo Cox. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers of all here are with Jo and her family and friends.
3.36pm BST
This is from Gordon Brown.
Hoping, praying and thinking of Jo, Brendan and the children. GB
3.34pm BST
This is from the Press Association.
Birstall primary academy, which is a few streets away from where the shooting took place, said police had advised it to remain on lockdown, adding that staff and children are safe.
Norristhorpe junior & infant school, in the nearby village of Liversedge, said it was keeping children in school until they are collected by an adult, on the advice of Kirklees council.
3.32pm BST
David Cameron has cancelled his trip to Gibraltar in the light of the attack on Jo Cox.
It's right that all campaigning has been stopped after the terrible attack on Jo Cox. I won't go ahead with tonight's rally in Gibraltar.
3.31pm BST
This is from the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt.
Thoughts with Jo Cox and her family after a shocking attack. Air ambulance & staff at Leeds General Infirmary are doing everything possible.
3.29pm BST
The Press Association has filed this profile of Jo Cox.
In parliament for little over a year, Jo Cox has already carved out a reputation as a plain speaker and solid operator.
Relatively young by political standards, Cox is due to celebrate her 42nd birthday next Wednesday, and has been spoken of as a future minister.
3.24pm BST
The BBC has been broadcasting this picture, which is believed to show the moment the suspect was arrested.
Believed to be moment of arrest of man involved in #Birstall incident https://t.co/7p3KQh5vYl pic.twitter.com/VYDyopyTzi
3.16pm BST
Dozens of MPs, from all parties, have been using Twitter to express their shock at what happened to Jo Cox and to offer their prayers and best wishes. Here are some of their tweets.
Terribly concerned to hear about attack on our wonderful friend Jo Cox. Love and support to her & family.
Praying for our wonderful colleague and friend Jo Cox.
Utterly, utterly horrific to see reports about @Jo_Cox1. My thoughts and prayers are with her, her family & staff
Jo Cox, her staff and her family are in the thoughts of all colleagues and all parties here at Westminster, very, very sad news.
Totally shocked to hear of the brutal attack on my friend and colleague Jo Cox MP for Batley and Spen. Praying for her speedy recovery.
Absolutely shocked & appalled by attack on Jo Cox. Thoughts & prayers with Jo, her family and friends
Appalling news about attack on Labour MP @Jo_Cox1. Best wishes to her and friends from colleagues in @theSNP https://t.co/iRg0xoGeJB
Profoundly saddened to hear of the attack on colleague Jo Cox I really hope she recovers speedily Attack on one is an attack on all!
Honestly @Jo_Cox1 is the most passionate fighter for justice at home and abroad I know. I hope and pray she's ok
All thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful @Jo_Cox1, one of the kindest and most generous people I know.
Important not to jump to conclusions - just so very sad for Jo Cox; we all love her so much. Praying for her recovery and for Brendan.
Shocking news about @Jo_Cox1 Desperately hoping she pulls through
Thoughts, prayers, love and strength to wonderful, brilliant, dear Jo Cox MP and her husband and children.
Just praying for news that Jo Cox is OK. That is all.
Just heard the terrible news of the attack on @Jo_Cox1 MP in her constituency surgery. Thoughts and prayers with her and her family.
Just been told by a journalist of shooting of Jo Cox MP. After recent incident at my office well aware of threat we face. Praying for her
Horiffic news that Jo Cox MP has been attacked. My thoughts and prayers are with Jo and her family.
Horrific news about my colleague the excellent Jo Cox; a superb MP ad comrade. Thoughts are with her & her family
Shocked to hear news about my brilliant colleague Jo Cox. My thoughts and prayers are with Jo and her family.
3.06pm BST
Witness Clarke Rothwell told BBC News there was an altercation between a man carrying a gun and Cox.
He purposefully targeted her, said Rothwell, who runs the cafe next to the library where the incident took place.
He shot this lady and then shot her again.
He lent down. Someone was wrestling with him and he was wielding a knife and lunging at her. Three times she was shot.
3.03pm BST
The Labour MP John Mann told BBC that Jo Cox was an “absolutely outstanding” MP and that he was “totally shaken” by the attack.
She is one of the real stars of the new intake, not just on the Labour side but on all sides. She is hard working, eloquent, everyone likes her, she’s one of the real stars of the future.
3.02pm BST
Britain Stronger in Europe has also suspended campaigning for the day.
3.01pm BST
Here is more from the Press Association from Hithem Ben Abdallah, 56, who was in the cafe next door to the library shortly after 1pm when he heard screaming and went outside.
Abdallah said the weapon looked handmade and that the man who had been wrestling with the assailant continued to do so even after he saw the gun.
He said: “The man stepped back with the gun and fired it and then he fired a second shot, as he was firing he was looking down at the ground.”
2.56pm BST
This is from the former Labour leader Ed Miliband.
Absolutely horrific and shocking news about Jo Cox. All of my thoughts with her and Brendan.
2.55pm BST
This is from Mark Goldring, chief executive at Oxfam, where Jo Cox was head of policy before becoming an MP.
Oxfam is deeply shocked to hear the news. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Jo and her family at this difficult time.
2.52pm BST
Vote Leave have suspended their campaigning today. This is from Boris Johnson, who has been on the Vote Leave battlebus.
Just heard the absolutely horrific news about the attack on Jo Cox MP. My thoughts are with Jo and her family
2.50pm BST
This is the scene of the shooting.
2.46pm BST
Here is Jeremy Corbyn commenting on the shooting.
Utterly shocked by the news of the attack on Jo Cox. The thoughts of the whole Labour Party are with her and her family at this time.
2.44pm BST
These are from the BBC’s Phil Bodmer.
Wide police cordon in ace in #Birstall after MP Jo Cox shot at during weekly surgery, 1 man arrested @BBCNews pic.twitter.com/LOkKpw7tW0
#Breaking; Scene at #Birstall after MP Jo Cox shot pic.twitter.com/vjbvwAAmeF
2.40pm BST
Jo Cox is married to Brendan Cox, a former Save the Children executive and special adviser to Gordon Brown.
2.37pm BST
A Labour party spokesman said:
We’re aware of the incident that happened this afternoon. All our thoughts are with Jo Cox and her family. We cannot give any further updates at this time.
2.35pm BST
The shopkeeper in a greengrocer opposite Birstall Library, Golden D’Licious, said that he believed the attacker had been waiting for the MP outside the library.
“I was inside the shop and all I heard was a scream and then the gun shot,” he said, without giving his name. “I went out and everyone was dispersing. I couldn’t see because it happened behind a car.”
2.33pm BST
This post has been removed while the information it contained is verified
2.31pm BST
According to a Labour source, Cox was shot and stabbed after she had conducted her morning surgery for constituents. Another person, who has not been identified, was also injured and both were taken to hospital, the source said. The attack was said to have taken place sometime after 1pm.
2.30pm BST
Here is the statement from West Yorkshire police in full.
At 12.53 today, police were called to a report of an incident on Market Street, Birstall, where a woman in her 40s had suffered serious injuries and is in a critical condition.
A man in his late 40s to early 50s nearby also suffered slight injuries.
2.28pm BST
According to the BBC, a man aged 52 has been arrested in connection with the incident.
2.27pm BST
And this is from the Labour mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Shocked to hear terrible news about brilliant MP and friend Jo Cox. Thinking of her and praying for her and family.
2.27pm BST
David Cameron has joined the many MPs who have already used Twitter to show their support for Cox.
Very concerned about reports Jo Cox has been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jo and her family.
2.26pm BST
More on the shooting from Sky.
Here's what we know so far about the shooting of Labour MP Jo Cox in Birstall https://t.co/A5zwPZtsol pic.twitter.com/NpastUBFH1
2.25pm BST
This is from Cathy Killick, a reporter for BBC Look North.
Scene in #birstall after reported shooting of MP Jo Cox. pic.twitter.com/gupG7rP6Eg
2.23pm BST
This is from Malik Walton, who, according to his Twitter profile, is a cameraman.
Armed police presence at a #Leeds hospital after a shooting in #Birstall involving #MP Jo Cox @BBCLookNorth pic.twitter.com/ul9LRioQLg
2.19pm BST
More from the Press Association.
Cox’s assistant confirmed she had been attacked and said he was trying to get more information from police at the scene.
2.19pm BST
This is from the Press Association.
Eyewitness Hithem Ben Abdallah, 56, was in the cafe next door to the library shortly after 1pm when he heard screaming and went outside.
He told the Press Association: “There was a guy who was being very brave and another guy with a white baseball cap who he was trying to control and the man in the baseball cap suddenly pulled a gun from his bag.”
2.18pm BST
Jo Cox was elected to the Commons in 2015 as MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire. Previously she had worked as head of policy for Oxfam. She nominated Jeremy Corbyn for the leadership but, as with some other MPs, that was in the interest of allowing him to get on the ballot paper, not because she was a supporter. She voted for Liz Kendall.
A Cambridge graduate, she is 41 and married with two children.
2.11pm BST
This is what the Press Association has filed on the shooting.
Labour MP Jo Cox has been shot and injured in an attack in her constituency near Leeds.
An eyewitness said the 41-year-old mother of two was left lying bleeding on the pavement after the incident in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
2.10pm BST
This is from Sky’s Kay Burley.
MP Jo Cox airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary. Condition said to be serious after shooting at her regular constituency surgery
2.08pm BST
Jo Cox has been taken by air ambulance to Leeds infirmary, the BBC is reporting.
2.07pm BST
According to the BBC, a primary school is in lockdown and a gunman may be on the loose near the shooting at Birstall.
2.03pm BST
This is from the BBC’s Allie Hodgkins-Brown.
Office of Jo Cox MP confirms she has been injured in an attack at her office in Birstall Yorkshire
Unconfirmed reports suggest a man was stabbed - and Jo Cox MP shot and stabbed - via @timsmithyorks
2.00pm BST
The Press Association has just snapped this.
Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox has been shot in Birstall near Leeds, an eyewitness said.
1.51pm BST
Britain Stronger in Europe has also condemned the Ukip poster. (See 12.01pm.) It has issued a news release with statements from MPs from four parties saying Ukip are wrong to exploit the refugee crisis in this way.
This is from Yvette Cooper, chair of Labour’s refugee taskforce.
Just when you thought leave campaigners couldn’t stoop any lower, they are now exploiting the misery of the Syrian refugee crisis in the most dishonest and immoral way.
Europe didn’t cause the Syrian refugee crisis and pulling out of the EU won’t stop people fleeing conflict and persecution by ISIS and the Assad regime.
1.44pm BST
The Green party has condemned the Ukip poster (see 12.01pm) as “despicable”. This is from the Green MEP Jean Lambert, the party’s migration spokeswoman and a Remain supporter.
This is a poster of shame from UKIP. Nigel Farage is deliberately confusing voluntary EU free movement with refugees fleeing from outside Europe – it’s despicable. The European Union is the best place for countries to act in solidarity and work together on solutions to shared challenges like the displacement of people. It is vital we don’t give in to this kind of fear and hate and that we vote to Remain in the EU.
1.41pm BST
Back to the Ukip poster. (See 12.01pm.) On Twitter Connor Beaton points out that the image is similar to one he’s seen on a Nazi propaganda video.
Your new poster resembles outright Nazi propaganda, @Nigel_Farage. Thanks to @brendanjharkin for pointing it out. pic.twitter.com/Rd89XZSvfD
1.37pm BST
And while we’re on the subject of trust, these figures are worth flagging up in the context of the latest warning from the Bank of England.
They show that, amongst Remain supporters, the Bank has a net trust rating of +34 (those who trust it minus those who don’t). But, amongst Leave supporters, its rating is -45.
Fascinating insight from @YouGov: Remain voters trust experts, Leave voters don't trust anyone. pic.twitter.com/qtfNguJ3Nr
1.33pm BST
Uh-oh. It turns out that, if David Cameron thought that wheeling out Jeremy Clarkson was going to help the Remain cause (see 12.48pm), the polling evidence suggests he was mistaken.
According to these YouGov figures, Clarkson is even less likely to be trusted on the EU than Cameron himself. The only figures on this list who poll worse are Tony Blair and Joey Essex.
Who do those undecided on #EURef trust? @MartinSLewis does ok, but Tony Blair has lower net trust than @JoeyEssex_ pic.twitter.com/XH5VkPWTQp
1.25pm BST
One of the most senior figures in the Church of Scotland, the Rev Dr Richard Frazer, has said a leave vote would be a denial of the UK’s moral values and its global humanitarian role.
Frazer, convener of the church and society council of the Church of Scotland, which voted last month to restate its support for the EU, said Brexit campaigners were “playing a dangerous game” by blaming immigrants, refugees and EU costs for the country’s financial problems.
The European project is far from perfect, but in as much as it has successfully replaced bombs with bureaucrats it has enabled European citizens to enjoy unprecedented peace, stability and opportunity since the Second World War ...
To walk away would be a denial of the very humanitarian and moral values for which we stand as an active participant in global civil society.
1.23pm BST
Unbeknownst to Boris Johnson, one of the Vote Leave activists at the fish processing plant he visited earlier (see 9.52am) turns out to be a former fan of the English Defence League.
The supporter, who had an EDL tattoo on his neck, told the Mirror it was done years ago and he was not politically active before the leave campaign. Andy Reynolds, 47, said he backed Johnson’s message, adding: “The fishermen have been struggling for years so it’s good to see someone highlighting it now.”
1.20pm BST
Britain if it votes to stay in the European Union will no longer be a wallflower at EU meetings skulking in the corner but instead taking a new assertive leadership rule, Philip Hammond, the foreign secretary predicted today.
He claimed a core group of a dozen like minded countries were looking for leadership from the UK and in the wake of a referendum Remain vote, the UK will have a mandate to pursue its agenda on competitiveness and the single market.
We are the second largest economy in the EU and perhaps soon to be the largest. It is time we started to act like it. We have won most of the arguments about the direction of Europe’s future travel and started to shape Europe in our image of the future.
The days of the UK skulking in the corner – the wallflower at the EU dance - must be over. We must noisily and assertively fight for our interests and for our vision of the EU ‘s future championing reform and focussing on the economy.
1.17pm BST
Jeremy Hunt has claimed that the NHS would suffer “a Brexit hangover” if Britain votes to leave the EU.
Speaking at the annual conference in Manchester of the NHS Confederation, which represents hospital managers, the health secretary rubbished as “utterly bogus” claims by Leave campaign leaders such as Michael Gove and Boris Johnson that the health service would receive up to £8bn a year more in the event of Brexit.
Any suggestion that the NHS would see a dividend from leaving the EU is utterly bogus. The Institute for Fiscal Studies are very, very clear about this, that even if the entire net contribution to the EU of £120m a week is handed to the NHS, you would only need to see a contraction in GDP of 0.6% and those benefits would be totally wiped out.
1.10pm BST
Here’s a Guardian video with highlights from Gordon Brown’s speech this morning.
1.06pm BST
Spain’s acting prime minister Mariano Rajoy said today that he hoped Britain stays in the EU but that he is unhappy about David Cameron visiting Gibraltar, the Associated Press news agency reports.
Speaking on Spanish National Radio, Rajoy said his government “doesn’t like the idea that Cameron should go to Gibraltar” but insisted that what is being debated is whether Britain stays in the European union, “as I hope it does.”
Cameron is making a two-hour visit to Gibraltar later today to seek votes to keep Britain in the EU in the June 23 referendum. Spanish media said it is the first visit to Gibraltar by a British premier in nearly 50 years.
1.03pm BST
Jeremy Clarkson announced that he was backing staying in the EU in his Sunday Times column (paywall) in March. Here’s an extract.
When Mr Cameron was touring Europe recently, seeking a better deal for Britain by sucking up to the leaders of such places as Romania and Hungary, I watched on YouTube an MEP called Daniel Hannan make an anti-EU speech to a group of, I think, students. It was brilliant. One of the best speeches I’ve ever heard. And, I’ll admit, it made me question my beliefs. But despite his clever, reasoned and passionate plea for us to leave Europe, I’m still in. He talked sense, but a lot of this debate is about how we feel.
In 1973 my parents held a Common Market party. They’d lived through the war, and for them it seemed a good idea to form closer ties with our endlessly troublesome neighbours. For me, however, it was a chance to make flags out of coloured felt and to eat exotic foods such as sausage and pasta. I felt very European that night, and I still do.
12.57pm BST
Nicola Sturgeon has again warned she could call a second Scottish independence referendum if the UK votes to leave the EU next week against the wishes of a majority of Scottish voters.
Speaking during first minister’s questions, she told Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale that if Brexit wins in a week’s time “against the democratically expressed will [of the Scottish people] that all options to protect our relationship with Europe and the EU will require to be explored.”
12.54pm BST
My colleague Anushka Asthana has made a film about the impact of immigration on the EU referendum. It last eight minutes and you can watch it here.
12.48pm BST
With one week to go, and support for Leave surging, Remain are getting desperate. David Cameron has already wheeled out President Obama, the IMF, Angela Merkel, every living former prime minister, the Bank of England, the OECD, Jeremy Corbyn and God know who else - without much effect.
So, understandably, it seems they’ve decided to deploy the one secret weapon they’ve been holding back - Jeremy Clarkson.
Jeremy Clarkson and James May have said Britain remaining in the EU is one of only three things they agree on.
The former Top Gear presenters were speaking as they met prime minister David Cameron in the west London office of their TV production company.
12.36pm BST
The minutes from the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee yesterday are here (pdf).
They show that the Bank thinks uncertainty generated by the referendum has already had a dampening effect on the economy in some areas. The minutes say:
Measures of uncertainty had increased further over the past month, with the UK a clear outlier internationally. And there had been growing evidence that uncertainty about the outcome of the referendum was leading to delays to major economic decisions that were costly or difficult to reverse. In the corporate sector, this included a sharp decline in the value of commercial real estate transactions and M&A, and reports of delayed business investment. Evidence from the Bank’s Agents had suggested increased delays in corporate decision making, which was corroborated by a Deloitte survey of chief financial officers. Survey information from Markit/CIPS and the BCC showed that for a material proportion of responding firms the referendum was having a detrimental effect on business activity, sometimes significantly so. Regarding households, both car purchases and residential housing activity had declined, although it was difficult to isolate the extent to which these effects related to the referendum or a more general underlying slowing.
12.15pm BST
The Bank of England has issued a fresh warning about the impact of Brexit.
In a statement confirming the latest decision taken by the monetary policy committee to keep interest rates will remain unchanged, it says.
As the Committee set out last month, the most significant risks to the MPC’s forecast concern the referendum. A vote to leave the EU could materially alter the outlook for output and inflation, and therefore the appropriate setting of monetary policy. Households could defer consumption and firms delay investment, lowering labour demand and causing unemployment to rise. Through financial market and confidence channels, there are also risks of adverse spill-overs to the global economy. At the same time, supply growth is likely to be lower over the forecast period, reflecting slower capital accumulation and the need to reallocate resources. Sterling is also likely to depreciate further, perhaps sharply. This combination of influences on demand, supply and the exchange rate could lead to a materially lower path for growth and a notably higher path for inflation than in the central projections set out in the May Inflation Report. In such circumstances, the MPC would face a trade-off between stabilising inflation on the one hand and output and employment on the other. The implications for the direction of monetary policy will depend on the relative magnitudes of the demand, supply and exchange rate effects. The MPC will take whatever action is needed, following the outcome of the referendum, to ensure that inflation expectations remain well anchored and inflation returns to the target over the appropriate horizon.
12.01pm BST
Ukip has unveiled a new EU referendum poster.
Ukip's new poster features a picture of refugees in Slovenia in 2015 pic.twitter.com/0ZLCFr8cLw
This is disgusting. https://t.co/eHHI6KrWvp
11.55am BST
Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, has been speaking to journalists on a visit to Russia today. He says Brexit would usher in a period of “major uncertainty” for Britain, the EU and the world.
'I think our British friends would be best advised not to do it,’ @JunckerEU pic.twitter.com/GhMzlBKxSw
11.39am BST
The Corbyn event is now over. I will post a summary soon.
11.34am BST
Q: John McDonnell said today Labour should look again at the free movement of labour in the EU. Do you agree?
Corbyn says the EU depends on free movement of labour. He has set out plans for EU minimum standards. He thinks that is the way foward.
11.30am BST
Corbyn is now wrapping up.
I have tried to set out today some of Labour vision for Remain and Reform in the European Union.
More importantly I hope I’ve been able to restore a bit of faith in what politics can do. If you have a decent government committed to making our country and our world a better place.
11.29am BST
Corbyn says Labour should be supporting moves towards a financial transaction tax (aka, the Tobin tax, or Robin Hood tax).
There are currently 10 countries in Europe working together to secure a financial transactions tax across the European Union. This is a small tax on specific financial transactions to help prevent the sort of banking crash we saw a few years back, that led to the deepest economic crisis since the 1930s.
What was the British Government’s response to this proposal? To rush to Europe to oppose it, threatening legal action.
11.26am BST
This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
Corbyn talking about methane capture........ Not quite sure audience is quite staying with him after a strong start
11.25am BST
Corbyn calls for new European standards on rights at work and minimum pay.
I mentioned the scandal of zero hours contracts earlier too. As well as outlawing these exploitative contracts in Britain, we should go further and work with our allies to establish a European minimum standard of rights at work to stop undercutting and give people the job security they need.
And now that Germany has introduced a minimum wage there is an opportunity to move towards a European-wide minimum wage – linked to average pay and the cost of living in each country to halt the race to the bottom in pay and conditions, and increase wages across Europe.
11.22am BST
Corbyn is now talking about the posting of workers directive, which he has raised at least twice at PMQs.
There is a little known EU directive, for example, called the Posting of Workers Directive. It allows companies that win contracts in another part of Europe to take workers to other countries. They can post their workers abroad temporarily, rather than go through new recruitment processes.
But legal judgements have opened up loopholes meaning that these companies are able to undercut the going rate in one country by paying the going rate in another.
11.21am BST
Corbyn says the UK should use its presidency of the EU next year to push for changes.
There are proposals now in Europe for country-by-country tax reporting, which means that companies pay their taxes in the countries where they make their profits.
Labour members of the European parliament have backed this plan every time, while Conservatives ones oppose it, time and time again.
11.20am BST
Corbyn says Labour wants the UK to remain in the EU, but in a reformed EU.
Labour is calling for a vote to remain in Europe at next week’s referendum because we believe staying in the European Union offers our people a better future in terms of jobs, investment, rights at work and environmental protection.
But we are also campaigning for reform of the European Union because we are convinced Europe needs to change to work for all, to become more democratic, strengthen workers’ rights, ditch austerity and end the pressure to privatisation.
11.19am <span