British MPs have paid their respects Labour MP Jo Cox, who was attacked and killed in her constituency last week.
UK MPs leave the Houses of Parliament for a service of remembrance after a special session to honour murdered MP Jo Cox. Photo: AFP
A white and a red rose were placed in Mrs Cox's usual place on the Labour benches.
Addressing a packed House of Commons, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said her life had been spent serving others.
"The horrific act that took her from us was an attack on democracy, and our whole country has been shocked and saddened by it," he said.
"But in the days since the country has also learned something of the extraordinary humanity and compassion which drove her political activism and beliefs.
"Jo Cox didn't just believe in loving her neighbour, she believed in loving her neighbour's neighbour."
MPs also wore white roses in memory of Mrs Cox, who was shot and stabbed in the northern-England town of Birstall.
She later died in hospital.
Speaker John Bercow said the Commons had gathered in "heartbreaking sadness" but also in "heartfelt solidarity".
As he led the tributes in a packed House of Commons, he said Mrs Cox had "outstanding qualities ... she was caring, eloquent, principled and wise".
UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Prime Minister David Cameron paid respects to slain Labour MP Jo Cox in Birstall on Friday, where she was to meet constituents. Photo: AFP
Prime Minister David Cameron described Mrs Cox, the MP for Batley and Spen, as an extraordinary colleague and friend, a humanitarian to her core who brought out the best in people.
"We pay tribute to a loving, determined, passionate and progressive politician, who epitomised the best of humanity and proved so often the power of politics to make the world a better place," he said.
In very rare and emotional scenes in the Commons chamber, MPs broke in to applause in memory of the MP as they filed out of the chamber, many comforting each other as they wiped away tears.
The MPs then proceeded to St Margaret's Church, alongside members of the House of Lords, where a short memorial service would take place for Mrs Cox.
Friends of Mrs Cox have announced plans for a public event in Trafalgar Square in London on Wednesday.
There have also been calls for a memorial to be installed at Westminster to remember her, while a fund set up in her name has raised almost £1m.
A tribute to Jo Cox in Parliament Square in London. Photo: AFP
Accused appears in court again
The man accused of murdering Mrs Cox, 52-year-old Thomas Mair, made another brief appearance at London's Old Bailey court on Monday (local time).
Appearing via video link he spoke only to confirm his name, saying "yes I am" when asked if he was Thomas Mair.
At an initial hearing in a lower court at the weekend, Mr Mair said his name was "death to traitors, freedom for Britain".
Mr Mair has been remanded in custody.
- BBC
