Jo Cox murder: House of Commons reissues security advice to MPs after fatal shooting

The House of Commons authorities in London are urging MPs to contact their local police force if they have any concerns, and are reissuing their security advice in the wake of the murder of late Labour MP Jo Cox on Thursday (16 June 2016).

"It is too soon to comment on this tragic incident or any wider implications but we are advising members if they have any concerns to contact their local police," a Commons spokesperson told IBTimes UK. "As a precautionary measure we are reiterating our security advice to members. This is a police investigation and we will be liaising closely with them."

The move comes after Cox, 41, died following a shooting and stabbing attack in her West Yorkshire seat of Batley and Spen. The late mother of two had been holding a constituency surgery at Birstall Library.

West Yorkshire Police said they arrested a 52-year-old man, who has been named locally as Tommy Mair, in connection to the incident.

Eyewitnesses have claimed that he shouted "Britain first". The political group Britain First has denied to IBTimes UK any connection with the organisation and the suspect.

The killing of Cox, a Remain campaigner, happened with a week to go before the EU referendum on 23 June. Vote Leave, Britain Stronger in Europe and other groups have suspended their campaigns out of respect to her passing.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn led tributes to Cox on Thursday, who was elected to parliament for the first time in the 2015 General Election. "The whole of the Labour Party and Labour family – and indeed the whole country – will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today," he said.

"Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It is a profoundly important cause for us all. Jo was universally liked at Westminster, not just by her Labour colleagues, but across Parliament.

"In the coming days, there will be questions to answer about how and why she died. But for now all our thoughts are with Jo's husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for.

"We send them our deepest condolences. We have lost a much loved colleague, a real talent and a dedicated campaigner for social justice and peace. But they have lost a wife and a mother, and our hearts go out to them."

John Bercow, the speaker of the House of Commons, added: "I am absolutely devastated to learn the news about Jo Cox. Jo was an outstanding Member of Parliament and a wonderful, kind, caring person who was liked and respected in all parts of the House. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this harrowing time."