Jo Cox events will mark first anniversary of her death
Events are being held across the UK this weekend in memory of Jo Cox, a year on from the MP’s murder.
Mrs Cox was shot and stabbed on June 16 last year as she arrived for a constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, just 13 months after being elected as Labour MP for the Batley and Spen constituency.
Right-wing loner Thomas Mair was given a whole-life term after being convicted of her murder at the Old Bailey in November.
To mark the anniversary of her death thousands of people will take part in an event called The Great Get Together this weekend, coming together to enjoy small picnics and community events across the UK.
With events set to take place in Wales, the event has been described as an opportunity for all communities to come together to celebrate what they have in common with one another.
Just some of those taking part will be Mrs Cox’s former colleagues – MPs in Cardiff.
Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: “After a year of very divisive politics across the UK this weekend marks the anniversary of the murder of Jo and an opportunity for all communities to come together to celebrate what we have in common.
“I’ll be attending events around Cardiff Central, from picnics to street parties, all of which have been organised by volunteers – and I’m really looking forward to sharing memories of Jo with constituents.”
Kevin Brennan, Labour MP for Cardiff West, said: “I’ll never forget that day watching the Wales v England Euro 2016 match as the news filtered through about the terrible attack on our beloved colleague Jo.
“I was honoured to be able to work with the Jo Cox Foundation to help raise funds and awareness by making a charity record in the following months with MP4 and the Friends of Jo Cox.
“The best way we can honour her memory is by continuing to promote her values and remembering that we have far more in common than that which divides us.”
Stephen Doughty, Labour MP Cardiff South and Penarth, said a memorial for Jo Cox was set to be unveiled next week at Parliament.
He said: “I can scarcely believe it’s a year since we lost Jo, who was a great friend, colleague and inspiration to me personally.
“The principle that we have more in common than that which divides us is the approach that we should take to our lives and bettering our communities.
“I, like many others, will be attending events this weekend in Cardiff and the area to celebrate Jo’s life and the causes that she stood for and I encourage other members of the community to do the same.
“But we need to remember that this isn’t just about one day of events. It’s about changing the way we do politics and the way we take this country forward with the spirit and values that Jo stood for all of her life.”
Education Secretary Kirsty Williams has called on schools in Wales to take part, revealing the Welsh Government has written to all schools in the country about the event.
Ms Williams said: “Jo Cox spent a lot of time in schools and truly believed in the importance of inspiring younger generations to be good citizens in their communities.”