Remembering Jo Cox

It has been 10 years since the tragic death of Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, who was killed in her constituency during the EU referendum campaign on 16 June 2016. Her death shocked across the political spectrum. 

Jo made an impact in Parliament. She was a strong advocate for many causes, campaigning on the rights of women and girls and standing up for the marginalised and vulnerable in society and across the world. She was driven by her belief that a fairer, kinder and more tolerant world was possible, and a strong sense of public service. 

In fact, Jo has helped my own path towards becoming an MP.  I was fortunate to be part of the 4^th cohort of the Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme, which supports women in the Labour Party to become future leaders in politics and public life. It was a valuable experience, bringing me closer to inspiring women and helping build confidence and skills and counter ‘imposter syndrome’. It encouraged me to push myself out of my comfort zone and on to things I thought I’d never do – like enter Parliament at age 51! 

Jo’s legacy emphasises the urgent need for unity and understanding, especially in light of the recent awful murder of Henry Nowak, which, despite the wishes of his family, became a focus for wider tensions and acts of violence, reflecting the dangers of increasingly divisive politics. As well as the shocking scenes in Belfast, after a man was attacked and badly injured, where homes have been set alight. These violent backlashes highlight how quickly anger can escalate when we are divided.

In her maiden speech, Jo said, “…we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us”, and this sentiment feels increasingly resonant as time goes on.