Minute's silence for Jo Cox in Leighton-Linslade

It was only a matter of hours before their monthly meeting that they had heard of the MP’s tragic death after being attacked outside her surgery in West Yorkshire.

“It is dreadful that someone should be attacked in this way, particularly when they are busy helping their community” said branch member, Mike Bishop.

“The news particularly affected one of our members whose parents live in Jo’s constituency and had only recently been helped by her over personal issues.”

As a mark of respect all campaigning on the EU referendum has been cancelled today (Friday), including a planned visit by Richard Howitt MEP to Dunstable and one by former Labour Leader, Ed Miliband, to Luton.

South West Beds MP, Andrew Selous, tweeted yesterday that he was “deeply shocked” by the killing.

He said: “The thoughts and prayers of the whole nation and Parliament are with her husband, children and family.”