British lawmaker Jo Cox’s death a ‘cowardly’ slaying: prosecutor

LONDON – A prosecutor alleges that the man charged with murdering British lawmaker Jo Cox repeatedly shouted “Britain First” as he shot and stabbed her a week before the vote to leave the European Union.

READ MORE: Who was Jo Cox? British MP killed on West Yorkshire street

Richard Whittam accused 53-year-old Thomas Mair of carrying out the “cowardly attack” in his opening statement as the trial opened Monday. The June 16 attack shocked Britain at a time of heated debate about sovereignty, immigration and self-determination ahead of the landmark vote.

2:09 UK’s leaders react to murder of British lawmaker Jo Cox

• UK’s leaders react to murder of British lawmaker Jo Cox
• British MP Jo Cox killed on street in constituency
• Dozens arrive to lay flowers at memorial for slain British MP Jo Cox
• British police investigate far-right links in Jo Cox killing

Previous Video

Next Video

Cox, who supported the campaign to stay in the EU, was about to hold a session in her constituency in northern England when she was attacked. A 77-year-old local man risked his own life in an attempt to save her.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Syrians mourn loss of their ‘champion’ British MP Jo Cox

Jurors were told that Mair had pleaded not guilty.

The case is expected to last three weeks.