We must not forget Jo Cox

Tonight was a solemn and grave occasion as Newport paid it’s respects to Jo Cox MP who was killed on Thursday. Jo was killed whilst trying to represent the people of her constituency.

At the Vigil for Jo I said “It is with deep sadness that we are here today after the brutal and senseless murder of Jo Cox.

For most of us here today, we didn’t know Jo. We now wish we all had.

Her compassion and unquestionable commitment to social justice and equality is clear throughout her short life. A courageous, caring campaigner who wanted to leave the world in a better place than she found it. Jo achieved so much in a short space of time but had plenty more to do.

Our democracy is precious. Over the past few years the culture and environment of political debate has become aggressive. We can’t let the dog whistle politics win.

The best and most important job of being a politician is to be out and about in our community. Visible, accessible and most importantly in touch. This has to continue.

Jo’s husband Brendan said she would want us all to unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate does not have a creed , race or religion it is poisonous.

Today we stand in solidarity. We must leave this place today more determined to fight division and anger with our love and compassion. Remembering, as Jo said, there is more that unites us than divides us.”