1st LD Writethru: British police charge suspect with murdering MP

The suspect Thomas Mair appeared in the Magistrates Court on Saturday morning, being charged with murdering Labour MP Jo Cox. He refused to give his correct name in the court.

According to local media reports, Mair, 52, who was charged with the murder of the 41-year-old Labour MP, a mother of two, gave his name as "death to traitors, freedom for Britain" when he was asked at Westminster magistrates court on Saturday to confirm his name.

Mair also kept silent when being asked about his address and the date of birth. He was not required to enter a plea and his lawyer Keith Allen said there was no indication of what plea would be given.

Prior to his next appearance at the Old Bailey on Monday, Mair was ordered to be remanded in custody at Belmarsh prison.

Deputy chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot suggested that a psychiatric report be prepared, saying:"Bearing in mind the name he has just given, he ought to be seen by a psychiatrist."

The man also faced charges of grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon, according to Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen of West Yorkshire Police.

Cox was killed on Thursday lunchtime in Birstall. She was shot several times and stabbed.

Her death shocked the whole country, and the campaign for Britain's EU referendum have been suspended over the weekend. Vigils were held in Batley and Spen, Cox's constituency and across the country on Friday evening in memory of the MP.

The House of Commons will be recalled on Monday to pay tribute.

The police said earlier on Friday they were investigating alleged links of Mair with rightwing extremism, and rightwing propaganda was found at his home after police searches. Endit