Man in court over killing of MP Jo Cox

By BBC

The man charged with the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox has appeared in court and been remanded in custody.

Thomas Mair gave his name as “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain” when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Mrs Cox, 41, was shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on Thursday.

Mr Mair, 52, is also charged with GBH, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

The defendant, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, refused to give his correct name and did not reply when asked to confirm his address and date of birth.

He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday.

Mrs Cox, who was married with two children, was about to attend a constituency surgery when she was killed.

A 77-year-old man, who came to her aid, was also injured and remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Vigils were held across the country on Friday evening in memory of Mrs Cox. Earlier in the day, David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn visited Mrs Cox’s Batley and Spen constituency.

The prime minister said the country was “rightly shocked” by her death, while the Labour leader described the former aid worker as “an exceptional, wonderful, very talented woman.”

Parliament will be recalled on Monday to allow MPs to pay further tributes.

A fundraising campaign started on Friday by friends and family of Mrs Cox has already raised more than £220,000.

The funds will support three causes her husband, Brendan Cox, said were close to her heart, including the The Royal Voluntary Service, HOPE not hate and The White Helmets.