JO COX was a “21st century Good Samaritan”, churchgoers have been told in the village where the mother of two was killed as rival MPs were today poised to break with tradition and sit together in the Commons as a mark of respect.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he is considering the idea, while Leader of the House Chris Grayling said MPs should “do what they feel comfortable doing”.
Parliament has been recalled todayto allow the Commons to remember the Labour MP, who was killed in her constituency of Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire on Thursday. Neighbouring Labour MP Jason McCartney, who represents Colne Valley, has written to Speaker John Bercow requesting that backbenchers be permitted to sit together across the House in a mark of solidarity.
Corbyn, when asked about the idea on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, said: “I received that suggestion last night actually and we’re thinking about that and have a talk tomorrow, but tomorrow is going to be a dignified occasion, it’s not going to be a time for lots of long speeches.”
He added: “An MP has died. It’s an attack on all of us. In her memory we have to create a more tolerant society. In her memory we have to reach out.”
Asked about the rules of the house, Grayling told Sky News: “I don’t think there are any formal rules but I think for tomorrow’s event it is a celebration and a commemoration and an expression of profound sadness and to my mind it is an occasion where people should do what they feel comfortable doing.”
Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron said it is a “great idea” and would show that MPs are “united against hate”.
Meanwhile, Rev Paul Knight told those gathered in St Peter’s: “Her humanity was powerful and compelling and we would do well to recognise her as an amazing example - a 21st century Good Samaritan.
Knight said: “Jo was someone who went out of her way to help others.
“I regret to say I didn’t know what she was like as a girl but she grew into a fervent advocate for the poor and oppressed. And though she must have been angry at times about what she saw here and around the world – those places she visited and worked – she seemed to me, at least, to be one who could fight with a passion and a disarming smile.”
Knight was speaking as Cox’s husband Brendan tweeted: “Jo loved camping. Last night the kids & I camped in her memory & remembered the last time we were all woken by the dawn chorus #MoreInCommon”.
Prayers were said at St Peter’s for Cox and the couple’s two young children.
Knight also remembered the bravery of pensioner Bernard Kenny, 77, who remains in hospital after he was injured going to Cox’s aid outside Birstall library last Thursday.
After reading the story of the Good Samaritan from the Bible, the vicar said: “There is much wickedness in our world, but thank God there is much goodness. But thank God there is so much goodness - goodness that does not recognise colour, not nationality.”
Meanwhile, a petition set up calling for Kenny, a retired miner, to be given the bravery honour the George Medal, had last night garnered around 1,000 supporters.
He remains in hospital in a stable condition.
A book of condolence in the church contained messages from Labour leader Corbyn, David Cameron and the shadow foreign secretary, Hilary Benn.
Benn, the MP for the nearby constituency of Leeds Central, wrote: “In loving memory of Jo Cox. You were – and always will be – the best of humanity.”
In the centre of Birstall, police had lifted a cordon and floral tributes continued to be left near the shrine to Cox below the Joseph Priestly statue. Street pastors were on hand to offer support.
A 52-year-old man who appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Saturday over the killing gave his name as “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain”.
Thomas Mair, from Birstall, is charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of a knife.
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