Local MPs remember Jo Cox on anniversary of her murder

Local MPs have been remembering their former colleague and friend Jo Cox, who was tragically killed four years ago today (Tuesday). 

The Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire and mother-of-two was shot and stabbed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair when on her way to meet constituents on 16 June 2016. 

Later that year, Mair, 53, was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order. 

On this difficult day, Jo's family have called for 'compassion and kindness' and say now is the time for people to be more tolerant and listen to others.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton, Droylsden and Failsworth, tweeted: 

We are all thinking of our friend Jo Cox today who was taken from us four years ago. “We have more in common than that which divides us” such powerful and strong words that will always resonate #JoCox #MoreInCommon pic.twitter.com/r6b6ldVQCn

— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) June 16, 2020

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds also shared Jo's message that "we have more in common than that which divides us". 

He said in a Facebook post: "Four years ago today, we lost our friend and colleague, Jo Cox MP. I’ve thought about her a lot in the last couple of weeks, as communities feel sadly divided over a number of issues.

"Her reminder that 'we have more in common than that which divides us' has never felt more pertinent. This weekend, communities around the country will connect virtually or at a distance as part of the Great Get Together - be part of it here: https://www.greatgettogether.org/sign-up/."

Mr Reynolds also shared a tribute he paid to Jo in Parliament just a few days after her death, which he said was the "hardest speech I have had to give". 

Denton MP Andrew Gwynne shared this tribute from Labour Party leader Keir Starmer:

Four years ago today our friend Jo Cox was tragically murdered.
 
But Jo’s legacy lives on.
 
Now more than ever, we see how right Jo was that we have “far more in common with each other than things that divide us.” pic.twitter.com/cKYJo0UkaZ

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 16, 2020

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon said he is remembering Jo today and his thoughts are with her family, including her husband Brendan. 

Remembering #jocox today and thoughts with her family Brendan Cox: Jo wouldn't have wanted a tiny violent minority to define us - Mirror Online https://t.co/KHwJODb7jY

— Jim McMahon MP (@JimfromOldham) June 16, 2020

His message was echoed by Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams: 

Jo Cox's sister calls for 'compassion and kindness' on anniversary of murder

Thinking of Jo & her family today #MoreInCommonhttps://t.co/EO213JgZPY

— Debbie Abrahams (@Debbie_abrahams) June 16, 2020

The House of Commons has also paid tribute with an image of the coat of arms in Parliament in her honour. 

Today we remember our colleague Jo Cox MP who was murdered on her way to meet constituents on 16 June 2016.#moreincommon pic.twitter.com/IKTOAQPaGG

— UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) June 16, 2020