A statement from The Jo Cox Foundation:
Seven years ago today, on 16 June 2016, Jo Cox MP was tragically murdered in her constituency of Batley and Spen while on her way to meet constituents.
Jo’s murder was a personal tragedy for all those who knew and loved her. For the country as a whole, her murder was a deeply shocking reminder of the dangers of division and hatred in our society.
Jo’s message of unity from her maiden speech – “we have more in common than that which divides us” – still rings true. These words underpin our work to build stronger communities, from projects locally to increase feelings of belonging in Batley and Spen, to national celebrations like the Great Get Together next weekend.
Whether the issue is community cohesion, abuse in politics, or atrocity prevention, we share Jo’s belief that there are always solutions to be found. This February we launched the Jo Cox Civility Commission, an ambitious project to find solutions to address the abuse and intimidation of elected representatives. Despite its complexities, making progress on this issue is not only possible, but vital for the future of our democracy and the diversity of our politics.
On this seventh anniversary of Jo’s murder, we remember her life and what she stood for. At The Jo Cox Foundation, we remember her determination that there is no ‘too difficult pile’, as we continue to make meaningful change on the issues she was passionate about.
Help us to make change, inspired by Jo Cox
Join the Great Get Together
Taking place next weekend from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 June 2023, community events across the UK will be celebrating Jo’s message that we have more in common than that which divides us. The first Great Get Together in 2017 took place on the anniversary of Jo’s murder, but to focus on celebrating Jo’s life instead of the way she died, her family and friends decided to move it to the weekend closest to her birthday instead.
Join our community of supporters
We make change on issues that Jo Cox was passionate about – from stronger communities, to respectful politics, and a fairer world. If you care about these issues too, signing up for our monthly supporter newsletter is the best way to hear news from us and how to get involved.