A spokesman for the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has expressed “profound” sadness at the death of MP Jo Cox, saying she was a “dedicated public servant”.
The 41-year-old Labour MP was stabbed and shot yesterday after holding a constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
A spokesman for the bishops said: “We are profoundly saddened and shocked at the death of Jo Cox. Our society has lost a dedicated public servant.
“Her life touched the lives of so many others and we share the deep sense of loss at her passing.
“Tonight, the Catholic community throughout England and Wales will be praying for Jo, her husband Brendan and their family.”
Fellow MPs have paid tribute to Mrs Cox. Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell, writing for the Daily Telegraph, said she had been a “five foot bundle of Yorkshire grit and determination absolutely committed to helping other people”. The Prime Minister David Cameron described her as a “committed and caring MP” and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said she was a “much-loved colleague”.
Brendan Cox, the husband of the mother of two, said she had “fought for a better world”.
Her attacker reportedly shouted “put Britain first” or “Britain first” at least twice. A 52-year-old man has been arrested.
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