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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Politics
Oliver Wright

Rival MPs could sit together in House of Commons in show of unity for Jo Cox

For the first time in living memory MPs from different political parties could give up their traditional places in the House of Commons on Monday in a show of unity in memory of Jo Cox.

Parliament is due to be recalled to allow MPs to pay tribute to the Labour MP who was murdered outside a constituency surgery last week.

Under a plan being considered MPs would not sit along normal party lines for the debate but instead spread around the chamber.

Speaking on the Marr Show the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had heard the suggested and was interested in the idea.

“I received that suggestion last night,” he said. “We’re thinking about that.

He added: “An MP dies and it is an attack on all of us. In her memory we have to create a more tolerant society.”

Mr Corbyn said he had also had discussions before Ms Cox’s death about MPs security – but added that he did not want elected politicians to become remote from their constituents.

He said that MPs could not do their job if they do not keep in touch with people who vote for them.

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