Reading Trades Union Council to hold gathering in memory of dead Labour MP Jo Cox

The Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire was shot and stabbed in an horrific attack today (Thursday). A 52-year-old man has been arrested.

The Trades Union Council will be gathering at the Spanish Civil War Monument in Forbury Gardens at 5pm.

"We will be gathering to spend time in solidarity contemplation following the murder of Labour MP, Jo Cox," explained communications officer, John Partington

"We hope many people will gather to pay their respects and the tragic events of today."

Tributes have been paid to Jo Cox, who died after being shot and stabbed this lunchtime in the street outside her constituency advice surgery.

The mother of two was attacked by a man reportedly shouting "Britain first" at lunchtime in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

Reading West MP, Alok Sharma, tweeted: "Shocked to hear about @Jo_Cox1 shooting. All the very best wishes to her and her family."

Fellow Berkshire MPs also paid tribute, including Home Secretary, Theresa May, the Maidenhead MP.

She described Ms Cox as one of the "brightest and most popular" MPs and the pain her family and friends are suffering is "unimaginable".

The Home Secretary added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time.

"The full details of what happened outside Jo's constituency surgery in Birstall this afternoon are not yet clear and until the facts have been fully established I will not comment further.

"It is entirely appropriate that all campaigning for the referendum has been suspended.

"All of us are united in our deep sadness at the loss of one of our brightest and most popular Westminster colleagues."

Bracknell MP, Dr Philip Lee, tweeted: "RIP Jo Cox. My thoughts are with her husband Brendan and her two young children."

And Slough MP, Fiona MacTaggart, wrote on Twitter: "Jo Cox was a bright star, politics is poorer without her. She stood up for justice. Love sympathy to Brendan and kids who'll miss her most."