Man in court over killing of MP Jo Cox

The man charged with the murder of 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.

Cox, 41, was shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on Thursday.

Mair, 52, is also charged with GBH, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

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.

He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday.

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.

West Yorkshire Police said friends and family of Cox are to visit Birstall later.

Vigils were held across the country on Friday evening in memory of Cox. Earlier in the day, David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn visited Cox's Batley and Spen constituency.

Candles are lit around floral tributes in Parliament Square central London on June 17, 2016 in remembrance of Labour MP Jo Cox who was killed on a street in Birstall on June 16. Photo: AFP.

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 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.