London Labour MP Neil Coyle criticised for 'politicising' death of Jo Cox

Criticised: Labout MP Neil Coyle appeared on Newsnight hours after Jo Cox's death
Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images
Laura Proto17 June 2016

A London Labour MP has been criticised for allegedly trying to politicise the death of colleague Jo Cox.

Neil Coyle, who represents Bermondsey and Southwark, appeared on Newsnight just hours after his 41-year-old colleague was shot dead in West Yorkshire.

Speaking about Mrs Cox’s death, Mr Coyle criticised Leave campaigners ahead of the EU Referendum, saying they had published “dangerous material” with risked “inspiring the hard-right”.

He also suggested Mrs Cox’s attacker – named locally as 52-year-old Tommy Mair – may have been politically motivated.

Speaking on Newsnight, he said: "I think that the kind of nonsense that they inspire online from anonymous accounts and actually the core content of the poster they launched today, look at what they are putting out and I just think that they are a very dangerous, and they risk inspiring extremist elements on the hard right in this country."

Tributes paid to Jo Cox

Witnesses to the shooting said they heard the gunman shout “Britain First” as he attacked Mrs Cox, who was a supporter of the Remain campaign.

Mrs Cox, who was elected in last year’s general election, was shot three times and stabbed repeatedly as she walked to a constituency surgery at a public library in Birstall.

Mr Coyle made the comments on Newsnight as both the Remain and Leave groups agreed to suspend campaigning for a day in honour of Mrs Cox.

But many Twitter users said Mr Coyle was trying to politicise his colleague’s death.

Paul Butler posted: “As soon as I think MP’s can’t go any lower they surprise me again. Political gain on the back of a colleague’s death.”

Christopher Christine said; “A tragic event that transcends politics. MPs shamelessly exploiting this outrage for political expediency should be deselected.”

And another Twitter user said: “Making political capital out of this is disgusting.”

Others accused Mr Coyle as “exploiting” Mrs Cox’s death to make political capital and some called for him to be sacked from Parliament "immediately."

Meanwhile, others suported Mr Coyles comments.

One person posted: "Neil Coyle timing was wrong however what he said about the stuff been put out my the leave group is very dangerous is true."

Matt Deaves said: "@coyleneil on Newsnight, sadly, has a very good point."

Anthony O'Connor added: "@coyleneil' tlking a lot of sense on newsnight", while Otto English said: "Your contribution absolutely correct on Newsnight."

Another said he was "proud" to have Mr Coyle as his MP.

Last night Mr Coyle posted a series of tweets about Mrs Cox's death. He said: "My thoughts, prayers and love go to @Jo_Cox1 and her family after today's sickening attack. Unbelievable crime against a truly wonderful MP.

"Devastated at the cowardly, premeditated and murderous attack on @Jo_Cox1 - her husband and young daughters have been robbed of a wife and mother.

"Many thanks to friends, family and others in touch with messages of condolence, love and support today. Truly grim and shocking circumstances."

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