'Death to traitors'

British lawmaker Jo Cox's alleged killer ranted against "traitors" in court yesterday, as EU referendum campaigning was suspended for a third day in tribute to the slain MP.

"Death to traitors, freedom for Britain," 52-year-old Thomas Mair said when asked to give his name at Westminster Magistrates Court in London after being charged with murder, Britain's Press Association reported.

Mair, who was handcuffed and wearing a grey tracksuit, repeated the phrase when asked again but then remained silent when asked to provide his date of birth and address.

He was remanded in custody until his next appearance on Monday at the higher Old Bailey court in London, England's central criminal court, and a psychiatric report has been requested.

Mair is also charged with grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

He is being held at the top-security Belmarsh Prison in southeast London.

A member of the opposition Labour Party and former aid worker, Cox was an advocate for refugee rights and immigration and was campaigning for Britain to stay in the European Union.

Both sides in the deeply divisive campaign ahead of Thursday's referendum on EU membership have cancelled speeches and leafleting events amid calls for a less acrimonious political debate.

She was shot and stabbed in the street in what police called a "targeted" daylight attack in her constituency in Yorkshire as she was arriving for a meeting with local residents.

Although the motive is undetermined, some politicians and commentators have pointed to the heated referendum debate, where sensitive issues like national identity and immigration have featured prominently.

The murder, the first of a British member of parliament since 1990, has sent shockwaves around the world. US President Barack Obama on Friday phoned Cox's husband Brendan to offer his condolences.