MP humbled after letters of thanks

A woman lays flowers at a memorial on Parliament Square after a service at St Margaret's church, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday June 20, 2016. See PA story POLITICS MP Service. Photo credit should read: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire

Fylde MP Mark Menzies paid tribute to the unity shown by cross-party colleagues after Parliament was recalled to pay tribute to MP Jo Cox, who was killed on Thursday.

The session on Monday saw members from across the political spectrum gather in the chamber of the House of Commons to honour the Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen.

Mr Menzies said the emotionally-charged meeting was sombre and respectful, but with a defiant edge from Parliamentarians, some of who spoke of the attack on Mrs Cox as an assault on democracy.

He added: “It was a session unlike any I have ever been involved in and was obviously very emotional for the whole house, but especially those who counted Jo among their friends.

“I felt it was fitting that the house was recalled to pay tribute to Jo, as she died doing a job which we all feel extremely privileged to have been elected to do.

“It is a real tragedy that Jo was killed while out supporting constituents at her surgery, a role all MPs have in common.

“The manner of her death brought the whole of Parliament together to say in one voice that we will not be diverted from doing our duty by violence or intimidation.

“Since Jo’s tragic death I have received emails from a number of people of various political persuasions thanking me for the work I do as an MP and it is quite humbling when people recognise your contribution and take the time to put their feelings into words.

“I would like to thank them for their thoughtful messages.”