UK: Tributes paid to murdered Labour politician

Tributes have been pouring in following the death of a British MP who was shot and stabbed on Thursday.

Jo Cox, an opposition Labour politician, was attacked near the northern English city of Leeds. In London’s Parliament Square people came to pay their respects to the 41-year-old mother of two.

In Birstall, West Yorkshire, where the attack took place, remembrance services have also been held. The killing has prompted widespread shock and grief.

Colleagues of the MP have also expressed a determination that the murder won’t drive a wedge between them and their constituents, despite warnings they should review their security.

“We are there not to serve our own interests but to serve the interest of the people who sent us to Parliament and Jo felt that very keenly, and an MP cannot do their job if they lock themselves up in their office in Westminster,” said Rachel Reeves, opposition Labour party MP.

Campaigning for the UK’s referendum on the EU remains on temporarily on hold as a mark of respect for the Labour politician.

A 52-year old man, named locally as Tommy Mair, has been arrested in connection with the killing inside the MPs constituency.

The attacker is alleged to have shouted ‘‘put Britain first’‘, but the motive for the murder and whether it was politically motivated, still remains unclear.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-06-18

Watched BBC news last night, interview with eye witness who called the police. One thing that jumped out was him telling police to "bring firearms". I'm a yank, btw. Imagine if someone called 911 in US and told police to bring firearms. Would they think it a crank call? Would they ask for clarification "You want SWAT team? Armored vehicle?".

I always wondered at and admired UK police and society having a "social contract" that implied "we don't use guns in our crimes". Hope that is not in too much tatters. Would be sad if UK had to go down road US has taken.

Lots of conflicting stories as usual at this stage. Facts that are known is that the man was a loner with mental health issues. No partner, lived alone, never had a proper job. There are rumours that he may have been radicalised by a far right group. Possible I would have thought as he would be a perfect recruit for them. It has also been said that the gun was home made and they know he went onto a website that showed how to make a gun. He has now been charged with murder so more information may be made available.