Local tributes paid to murdered MP

THE UNION flag is flying at half mast above Lerwick Town Hall as a mark of respect for Labour MP Jo Cox who was murdered outside her constituency office in Leeds on Thursday.

Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell said: “Like most people, I was shocked as the awful news emerged from Yorkshire yesterday.

“Jo Cox was murdered for simply doing what politicians do: her best for those she was proud to represent.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and colleagues.”

Meanwhile northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael was in Lerwick on Friday holding a constituency surgery, just as other MPs throughout the country were doing to demonstrate “business as usual” in the face of the tragedy.

In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, Carmichael wrote: “So tonight I feel a real sense of loss for Jo Cox – a woman that I knew only as a fellow MP.

“The random and senseless nature of the killing and the fact that it happened while she was doing something that we all do as MPs makes it difficult to absorb.

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“Perhaps, some day, this will make some sort of sense but tonight I cannot get past the fact that there is a family with a two young children, friends and colleagues all mourning someone that they knew and loved.

“Sorry but I have no profound insights to offer and am more than a little suspicious of those who do. Maybe, one day, that may change – maybe not – but tonight I simply mourn the loss of a member of one of the communities of which I am part.”

As a result of her death, campaigning for the European referendum has been suspended for the day.

At the request of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, prime minister David Cameron will recall Parliament on Monday to pay tribute to the former MP.

A 52 year old man is being held in custody in relation to the murder.