Jo Cox death: Twitter lights up with messages of parliamentary praise with #ThankYourMP

British actor Hugh Laurie has tweeted in support

People have taken to Twitter to say MPs are usually 'very decent people trying to do their best' (PA)

People are putting aside their political differences to show gratitude for the work of their MPs in reaction to the death of Labour's rising star Jo Cox.

Social media was flooded with the hashtag "#ThankYourMP" in response to the tragic death of Ms Cox, killed after leaving a constituency meeting in Yorkshire.

The public service performed by members of Parliament ‒ and the relentless barrage of criticism often faced by them ‒ was lauded in a rare moment of gratitude for politicians by Twitter users.

The move was picked up by British actor Hugh Laurie, who tweeted the hashtag to his 1.24 million followers.

One user, Maurice Morgan, wrote to her MP in Wakefield in west Yorkshire: "Thank you Mary Creagh for all the hard work you do in my area. You make a difference. You are appreciated."

Another thanked shadow defence secretary Emily Thornberry for once helping him with a litter of kittens, while others thanked Jeremy Corbyn and David Lammy for their "clear love" of the area they represented.

Numerous people also crossed political party allegiances to show their appreciation for MPs they did not necessarily vote for.

In addition, the thankless nature of representing a constituency, attending Parliament, influencing policy as a backbencher, giving media interviews, leading a team and ‒ often ‒ raising a family, was also recognised by many of the British public.

One user, Stephen Drew, said: "Our democracy is precious and those who lead it for us deserve our thanks."

British actor Hugh Laurie also gave his support from across the Atlantic, tweeting simply: #ThankYourMP

Another tweet, from David Williams, called the role a "mortifyingly hard job", while Andrew Puddephatt said the UK should realise that "the vast majority of MPs on all sides are decent people doing their best."

An MP's basic annual salary is £74,962, and the role involves on average between 40 and 69 hours of work a week, with noted impacts on private and family life.

Not everyone was convinced of the move, however.

The comments in support of MPs came in the wake of the first killing of an MP for a quarter of a century.

Ms Cox's death, which is under investigation, has led to politicians from all parties expressing their shock and condolences, and led to divisions over the EU referendum to be temporarily suspended out of respect for her and her family.

Ms Cox came from a working-class background and studied social and political sciences at Cambridge University, was a "tireless campaigner" for Syrian refugees and had two children aged three and five.

Reports have emerged that an attacker at the scene of her death shouted "Britain first", which are now being investigated by police.

Social media users also urged others to thank local councillors, who decide on housing, utilities, education and social care in an area.