Jo Cox death: World leaders pay tribute to British Labour MP shot dead in street

Politicians from the US to Belgium and Mexico to Denmark have responded to the tragedy

'A rising star, mother, and wife' (Getty Images)

Leading public figures from around the world have paid tribute to British MP Jo Cox, after she was fatally attacked in her West Yorkshire constituency.

The Labour politician for Batley & Spen, who was universally liked among her peers, is being remembered as an indefatigable campaigner for humanitarian issues, a champion of women’s rights and loyal figure to her constituents.

Ms Cox, 41, was an active supporter of Syrian opposition groups against the country's President, Bashar al-Assad, and had campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU - arguing for the contribution of immigrants to British society.

Politicians from Belgium to Mexico and Denmark have publicly expressed their condolences over the tragedy. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, spoke of a "rising star" and praised her "deep commitment to humanity".

He added: "Jo Cox died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve."

US politician Gabrielle Giffords, who was the victim of an assassination attempt at a political rally in 2011, wrote on Twitter that she was "absolutely sickened" by the killing, praising Ms Cox as "young, courageous, and hardworking. A rising star, mother, and wife".

Ms Giffords survived after being shot in the head in Tuscon, Arizona, during an attack that left six people dead and many injured.

Hillary Clinton, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, lambasted the "cruel and terrible ... act of political intolerance."

Germany's government tweeted about the "sad and terrible news of British MP Jo Cox", adding that "our thoughts are with her husband and children".

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Spanish Prime Minster Mariano Rajoy, Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg all also expressed their condolences.

Mexican President Felipe Calderón wrote of his sadness over the incident - incorrectly noting Ms Cox was killed in London - while others stressed their support for the Labour MP's friends and family.

The most moving tribute, however, came from Ms Cox's husband, Brendan Cox, who urged people to "fight against the hatred that killed her."

In a statement, Brendan Cox said: "Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. More difficult, more painful, less joyful, less full of love.

"I and Jo's friends and family are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo."