Thomas Mair allegedly shot and stabbed Mrs Cox, a mother of two young children, in Birstall, near Leeds, on June 16th.

She was attacked outside a library where she was holding a constituency surgery.

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

The 53-year-old from Birstall is in custody and his case is being treated under the "terrorism protocol".

He appeared before senior judge Mr Justice Wilkie at the Old Bailey in central London via a video link from Belmarsh prison this morning.

Wearing red trousers and a white sweatshirt, he spoke only to confirm his name and remained silent after he was asked to enter pleas.

In light of the bearded defendant's silence, the judge ordered not guilty pleas to be entered on his behalf on all the charges.

Members of Mrs Cox's family were in court for the brief hearing.

The case was adjourned for a further hearing on October 28th.

A provisional four-week timetable for the trial has already been set to start on November 14th.