News / Politics

Cameron calls for unity against hatred after Jo Cox murder

Monday, 20 June 2016 5:06 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 20 June 2016 5:47 PM ]

British Prime Minister David Cameron pays tribute to Jo Cox at the parliament on June 20, 2016. (PA photo)

British Prime Minister David Cameron has called for unity against hatred as MPs and peers gathered in the Parliament to pay tribute to Labour MP Jo Cox who was killed in her constituency in northern England.

Cameron urged MPs on Monday to join forces against "the hatred that killed her today, and for ever more". The parliament was in recess because of the upcoming EU referendum but the lawmakers were recalled to remember Cox.

The 41-year-old opposition MP was killed last week in her district in West Yorkshire by a man who shouted “Britain first, keep Britain independent”, and “Britain always comes first, this is for Britain.”

On her vacant seat in House of Commons, a white rose, representing her Yorkshire home, was laid as well as a red rose to represent her party.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also expressed his grief over the murder of Cox, saying her death was "an attack on democracy and our whole country has been shocked and saddened by it... and was united in grief.”

Red and white roses put on Jo Cox's vacant seat in House of Commons on June 20, 2016.

Corbyn called for a “kinder and gentler politics" and said politicians have a responsibility "not to whip up hatred or sow division.”

"We can come together to change our politics to tolerate a little more and condemn a little less,” Corbyn added.

Cox was shot and stabbed outside a library in Birstall in northern England on Thursday. A 52-year-old man, named locally as Tommy Mair, has been arrested.

According to British media, Mair may have had extreme right-wing leanings. "Britain First" is the name of a far-right anti-immigration group.

Mair is charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

At an initial court hearing on Saturday, Mair refused to give his correct name and instead said he was called "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain".

On Monday, Mair made his first crown court appearance before Mr Justice Sweeney via video link from Belmarsh prison. When asked to confirm he was Thomas Mair, he said, “Yes, I am.”

He was ordered to remain in custody with no application for bail. He will appear at the same court for preliminary hearing on Thursday.

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