UPDATE: Man charged with murder over MP's death appears in court

A man has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting of Labour MP Jo Cox.
Labour MP Jo Cox. Photo: Yui Mok/PA WireLabour MP Jo Cox. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Labour MP Jo Cox. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire

The man gave his name as “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain” during his first court appearance.

Mrs Cox, 41, died after being shot and stabbed in the street outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, near Leeds, on Thursday.

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Thomas Mair, 52, from Birstall, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London this morning charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

Mair refused to give his correct name to the court and remained silent when asked his address and date of birth.

He wore a grey jumper, tracksuit bottoms and black shoes and w as handcuffed to a guard in the dock during the hearing.

Mair was not required to enter a plea and his lawyer Keith Allen said there was no indication of what plea would be given. He also told the court that legal aid has been applied for.

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Deputy Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot ordered that he be remanded in custody until his next appearance, at the Old Bailey on Monday.

He will be held at Belmarsh Prison, and Ms Arbuthnot suggested that a psychiatric report should be prepared, saying: “Bearing in mind the name he has just given, he ought to be seen by a psychiatrist.”