Commenting on the sad news of the murder of Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox, IMWS Chair Mohamed Mulla said:

“It is with great sadness that we hear of the murder of our local MP Jo Cox.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jo’s family and close ones at this troubling time.

“Ever since Jo stood as a candidate she went out of her way to engage with individuals and organisations and as such I had the privilege to meet and talk with her on many occasions. She was a personal friend too.

“She was inspiring and full of ambition for the constituency and was always willing to support and promote causes close to the community.

“Amongst her goals was the rejuvenation of Batley town centre and she had been working hard to bring in inward investment into the area.

“She was also instrumental in standing up against the cut-backs in the services at Dewsbury District Hospital.

“She always fought for her constituents irrespective of race or faith.

“There is no place in our society for any form of extremism or violence instigated through radical thoughts.

“It is a huge loss to all locally. And an even greater one to those close to her especially her husband and two young children. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family.”

A special prayer will be offered at the Al-Hikmah Centre tomorrow at 7pm.