Hundreds line up for final farewell to tragic MP Cox
HUNDREDS of people have lined the streets to pay their respects to Labour MP Jo Cox ahead of her private funeral.
Mrs Cox’s funeral cortege travelled through her Batley and Spen constituency in West Yorkshire, slowing down in the town of Heckmondwike before continuing to Batley.
The mother of two young children died on June 16 after being shot and stabbed outside a library in Birstall.
Her killing provoked a wave of shock around the UK and across the world.
Members of the public, including schoolchildren, gathered in Heckmondwike for a final farewell to the MP.
Well-wishers applauded as the funeral cars made the journey through the town. Many threw flowers in the path of the cortege as it passed the market place.
Children from Norristhorpe Junior and Infant School were among the first of the mourners to throw white roses ahead of the cars.
One woman walked into the road as the cars passed to lay a large bouquet on the bonnet of the grey hearse, which was strewn with roses and sunflowers.
Mrs Cox’s coffin could be seen in the back of the vehicle surrounded by white floral tributes.
In Batley, the crowds also applauded as the cortege made its way through the town and threw flowers in front of the vehicles.
Mrs Cox’s family asked that the funeral service remained a small private occasion for close friends and family only.
Mrs Cox had been an MP for only just over a year when she was killed, having been elected for the Batley and Spen constituency, where she grew up, in last year’s General Election.
Her dedication to a range of causes, both as an MP and in her previous work with development charities, drew praise from all sides of the political spectrum and prompted calls for a rethink of the public’s attitude to public figures and the nature of political discourse.
Mrs Cox’s widower, Brendan, led tributes to his wife, joining thousands of people across the country and around the world who paused on what would have been her 42nd birthday to reflect on a woman who “just wanted people to be happy”.
Thomas Mair, 52, originally from Kilmarnock, appeared at the Old Bailey in central London charged with her murder. He was remanded in custody and will go on trial in November.