Jo Cox MP hailed as '21st century Good Samaritan'

Jo Cox MP, who was killed last week, has been remembered as a "21st century Good Samaritan".

A memorial service at her local church of St Peter's, Birstall, in West Yorkshire, offered constituents another opportunity to pay tribute to their former MP, who was shot and stabbed to death on Thursday.

Rev Paul Knight led prayers and a eulogy for Cox for a congregation of about 50 people, She was "someone with whom Jesus would have been so pleased", he said.

"Her humanity was powerful and compelling, and we would do well to recognise her as an amazing example, a 21st-century good samaritan," he said.

"Jo was someone who went out of her way to help others. I regret to say I didn't know what she was like as a girl, but she grew into a fervent advocate for the poor and oppressed.

"And though she must have been angry at times about what she saw here and around the world – those places she visited and worked – she seemed to me, at least, to be one who could fight with a passion and a disarming smile."

Knight also paid tribute to a local man, 77, who had tried to intervene in the attack and was left wounded.

Meanwhile her late husband and two young children spent the weekend on a Father's day camping trip. He tweeted on Sunday morning:

A fund has been set up in Jo Cox's name and had raised more than £800,000 by Monday morning. The money will be donated to The Royal Voluntary Service, HOPE not hate and The White Helmets.

Friends and family of Cox have organised a public tribute to her in Trafalgar Square on Wednesday, which would have been her 42<sup>nd birthday. The event, More in Common – Celebrating the life of Jo Cox, will be held the day before the referendum.

Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with her murder as well as grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

When asked to give his name and date of birth at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday, Mair replied: "My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain."

MPs from across the political spectrum have continued to praise Cox's life and work as they make their way back to Parliament on Monday morning. The House of Commons has been recalled to allow MPs to express their sorrow at her death. Chris Grayling, leader of the house, said he supported the idea that MPs should not sit in their usual party groups during the session.

"Conventional party politics should be a million miles away," he said.