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Police have confirmed Labour MP Jo Cox has been shot and killed in an attack in West Yorkshire today.

Cox was a stalwart supporter of LGBT rights and called on the government “to take further steps to end discrimination and bigotry against LGBT people in the UK and around the world”.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Cox’s killer shouted, “Britain first!” as he attacked her. Police have not been able to confirm that report. Cox was in favour of Britain remaining in the EU ahead of the upcoming Brexit vote.

The mother of two was shot three times and stabbed just before 1pm in Birstall in her Batley & Spen constituency. She was pronounced dead around an hour later.

West Yorkshire Police have arrested a 52-year-old man, named locally as Tommy Mair.

Her husband Brendan Cox said she would want people “to unite to fight against the hatred that killed her”.

David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn were among the politicians paying tribute. Labour leader Mr Corbyn said the country would be “in shock at the horrific murder”, describing the MP as a “much loved colleague”.

He added: “Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve.

“In the coming days, there will be questions to answer about how and why she died.

“But for now all our thoughts are with Jo’s husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for.”

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