Man charged in MP's murder gives his name as 'Death to traitors, freedom for Britain'

The man charged with murdering British lawmaker Jo Cox declared "death to traitors, freedom for Britain" when asked to give his name during his first court appearance.

Thomas Mair, 52, who lives in Cox's northern England electoral district, was speaking Saturday in a London courtroom. When the question was repeated, Mair said the same words again.

Mair was charged with murder, causing grievous bodily harm, and possession of a firearm and another offensive weapon.

Cox was preparing to hold a regular session to give advice to her constituents when she was killed in the town of Birstall, Yorkshire, where Mair lives.

The murder has sparked debate in Britain about the safety of lawmakers, the heightened tempo of political confrontation and whether it would affect the outcome of the EU vote. Coming within a week of the June 23 referendum on Britain's membership in the EU, Cox's killing has the potential to lift support for remaining in the bloc, which had been flagging in the polls. Cox, 41, was a supporter of staying in the EU.

Campaign activities remained on hold Saturday. Prime Minister David Cameron is scheduled to appear on Sunday evening on a special edition of BBC Television's Question Time show, following morning appearances by his pro-'Brexit' justice secretary, Michael Gove, and by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who backs the "Remain" campaign, on the BBC's Andrew Marr programme.