Jo Cox death: Canadian politician Nathan Cullen breaks down as he pays emotional tribute to his friend

'Jo used her voice for those who have none, dedicated her passion to those who needed it most'

A Canadian MP and friend of Jo Cox broke down in tears as he delivered a tribute in parliament to the Labour MP who died after being shot and stabbed outside a library in her constituency.

Nathan Cullen, MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley in British Columbia, west Canada, described Ms Cox as “a mum of two beautiful children and a friend”.

She was “a dedicated Labour MP and long advocate of human rights in Britain and around the world, who was murdered today,” he said in a statement given at the Canadian House of Commons and broadcast by Canadian TV station CPAC.

“Jo used her voice for those who have none. She dedicated her passion to those who needed it most, and she harnessed her limitless love, even and especially for those who allowed hate to consume them,” he said.

Mr Cullen, a member of the left-leaning New Democratic Party, met Ms Cox three years ago at a leadership conference near Washington DC, according to the Huffington Post.

They remained in touch after the conference, which Ms Cox attended as she was considering setting up her own charity.

“To Brendan, to Jo’s beautiful children, we express our deepest condolences. Excuse me,” said Mr Cullen, his voice cracking.

His speech was followed by a standing ovation.

A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack. He has been named locally as Tommy Mair.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Cullen tweeted: “Praying for my friend [Jo Cox] who was shot by a radical rightwing attacker today in UK. Shocked at the violence”.