MP Jo Cox was killed because of her “very strong political views”, her widower has said in his first interview since her death.
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MPs wore white roses in memory of Yorkshire-born Mrs Cox, and a single white rose was placed on the green leather bench where she usually Saturday.
As he led the tributes in a packed House of Commons, he said Mrs Cox had “outstanding qualities… she was caring, eloquent, principled and wise”.
Campaigning became more somber after the death of Jo Cox last week. “I think she died because of them, and she would want to stand up for those in death as much as she did in life”.
“An attack like this strikes not only at an individual, but at our freedom”, said Speaker John Bercow, who recalled the House from recess to allow lawmakers to honour their colleague.
In total silence, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was called to speak.
The fund was pushed past the seven-figure mark by a £6,000 donation from a “David Newton” which joined offerings small and large that have poured in over the last three days following the Labour MP’s death after she was attacked outside the library in Birstall, Yorkshire.
Doughty said that “Jo never just asked what you think, but always what should we do”, a sentiment that was echoed by McGovern, who spoke of the respect Cox commanded: “When Jo spoke, Mr Speaker, we all listened”. The murder of Jo Cox, however, has put the threat to Britain’s social fabric from racial hatred and violence firmly on the political agenda, even as it has galvanised popular opposition to it in a truly remarkable way.
Lady Warsi – who was the first Muslim woman to attend Cabinet but quit the Government in 2014 over the Gaza conflict – said her decision to change sides was sparked by a “xenophobic” poster released by Mr Farage, as well as “lies” from Michael Gove over the prospect of Turkey joining the EU.
“All the signs of ORB’s latest and final poll point to a referendum that will truly come down to the wire”, said Lynton Crosby, a political strategist who advised the ruling Conservative Party at the last national election in 2015. Rachel Reeves, Labour MP for Leeds West ” Jo wanted to make the world fairer, more equal, more tolerant and more generous.
“If this Thursday’s referendum is a choice between fear and hope, then we choose hope”.
“Jo Cox didn’t just believe in loving her neighbour, she believed in loving her neighbour’s neighbour”. So it now falls on all of our shoulders… to carry on Jo’s work.
“The EU embodies the best of us as a free people in a peaceful Europe”, urged The Guardian.
David Cameron said: “Jo Cox was a voice of compassion whose irrepressible spirit and boundless energy lit up the lives of all who knew her”.
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The lawmakers ended the powerful and moving tribute with standing ovation.
