Anger erupts at Brexit campaigners as plane flies over Jo Cox memorial with message to Vote Leave

Jamie Bullen22 June 2016

A plane carrying a message telling people to Vote Leave has sparked outrage after it flew over Trafalgar Square during a memorial to murdered MP Jo Cox.

Brexit campaigners have been branded "disgusting" after the plane was spotted by people who attended the event to pay tribute to the MP on what would have been her 42nd birthday.

Evening Standard video reporter Amy Ashenden was among those who saw the plane.

She said: "It flew directly over Trafalgar Square and then came back about 10 minutes later. The message was clear and it looked like they wanted the crowd to see it.

"A couple of people were grumbling but most people were focused on the speakers ahead of them."

Outrage: People have reacted angrily after a plane carrying a message telling people to vote to leave the EU flew over a memorial event to Jo Cox
@Hazelaa

Some have vented their anger towards Vote Leave on Twitter after it reportedly “interrupted” the memorial.

Labour MP Stella Creasy tweeted: “flying your plane over the memorial tribute to Jo Cox in Trafalgar Square is beyond low. Have some self respect and disappear!”

John Coventry wrote: “vote leave plane drowning out speeches at Jo Cox memorial. Utterly grim.”

Louis Collenette posted: “Twice now #JoCox memorial has been interrupted by a plane flying overhead displaying a #VoteLeave banner. Distasteful doesn't cover it.”

Thousands of Londoners are expected to attend tonight's memorial with other tributes planned across the world.

A Vote Leave spokesman denied the plane was authorised by the campaign and suggested the culprit may have been unaware the event was taking place.

He said: "This wasn't our plane so we had no idea it would fly over the memorial service.

"Had we known that these people were planning to do it we would have asked them not to. We can only apologise on their behalf for any offence caused.

"We do not think they realised that the service was taking place."

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