Merkel warns against radical speech on Brexit

- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday, June 17 urged British politicians to moderate the language used in their campaigns ahead of the Brexit vote, after a popular pro-Europe MP was murdered, AFP reports.

"The exaggerations and radicalization of part of the language do not help to foster an atmosphere of respect," she said, in response to a question on the killing of the British lawmaker Jo Cox.

"That's why we all value democratic game rules. And we know how important it is to draw limits, be it in the choice of speech, in the choice of the argument but also in the choice of partly disparaging argument," she said, calling for the beliefs of others to be respected.

"Otherwise the radicalisation will become unstoppable," warned the German leader, according to AFP.

Campaigning for Britain's June 23 EU referendum was suspended on Friday for a second day as the nation reeled from the killing.

Some commentators questioned whether the killing could be linked to a campaign that has stoked tensions by touching on issues of national identity and immigration.

Witnesses told media the campaigning mother of two had been shot and stabbed.

A 52-year-old man, named by British media as Thomas Mair, was arrested.

Described by neighbours as a loner, there were indications that he may have extreme rightwing leanings.