British MPs pay tribute to murdered MP Jo Cox at Parliament

 Various British MPs returned to Parliament on Monday afternoon to pay tribute to the late Labour MP Jo Cox, who was killed last Thursday.

MPs have been seen wearing white roses pinned to their jackets, while Cox's seat in Parliament has been laid with roses.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow opened the tributes to the 41-year-old Cox, saying her death was "particularly shocking and repugnant."

"Her death strikes at our freedom ...that's why we are assembled here, to honor Jo and redouble our dedication to democracy," he said.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn agreed the killing was "an attack on democracy." He reminded MPs gathered that Cox would have been 42 on Wednesday, and expressed his best wishes to Bernard Kenny, a 77-year-old man who was stabbed and injured in the attack when he tried to help Cox.

British Prime Minister David Cameron recalled their first meet 10 years ago, and praised her commitment to feminism and humanitarian work.

He said a celebration of Cox's life and values would be held on Wednesday across the world, including London, New York, Brussels and the Middle East.

After the tributes in the House of Commons and House of Lords, politicians were to attend a memorial service at St. Margaret's Church, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Suspect Thomas Mair, charged with murdering Cox, appeared at the Old Bailey, the central criminal court of England and Wales, on Monday afternoon. According to local media, he appeared via video link from Belmarsh Prison, and the hearing only lasted a few minutes.

He answered his correct name when asked, rather than how he answered on Saturday when at Westminster Magistrates' Court: "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain."

He will appear at the Old Bailey at 10 a.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Thursday.

source : xinhua