The man charged with the murder of British 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 on Saturday.
Mrs Cox, 41, was shot and stabbed at lunchtime on Thursday and her assistant Fazila Aswat, who had just dropped her off outside her constituency surgery, has since revealed how she begged her to get up, but she replied: “I can’t make it; I’m in too much pain.”
She was taken to hospital and pronounced dead at 1.48pm.
Members of her family visited the scene of the attack on Saturday to read floral tributes and thank gathered crowds for their support.
Speaking in the village’s market square Kim Leadbeater, Mrs Cox’s sister, described the MP as “perfect”.
Ms Leadbeater said the tributes paid to her sister had “genuinely made a difference” and helped the family through some “dark times”.
“I could not watch the overwhelming outpouring of love without speaking on behalf of Jo,” she said.
“Jo would want us to focus on that which unites us not which divides us. She will live on through good people in the world.”
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.
Mr Mair, 52, also faces charges of grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon, in relation to the attack on Mrs Cox.
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 in court earlier.
He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday.
Vigils were held across England on Friday evening in memory of Mrs Cox. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour Leader 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.
