We are living through ‘most divisive period’, sister of murdered MP will say

The sister of Jo Cox will say that we are living through “the most divisive period of our times” when she announces a series of events planned in memory of the murdered MP.

It is nearly three years since the politician was killed in her Batley and Spen constituency on June 16 2016 by Thomas Mair, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder.

Since the death of the mother-of-two, two annual Great Get Together events have been held in her memory.

Details of the third such event will be announced on Monday at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium, where Mrs Cox’s sister, Kim Leadbeater, will say: “After my sister was killed I had hoped to see a more compassionate way of doing politics and communities uniting against hatred – two things Jo believed in deeply.

“Unfortunately, instead we have been living through the most divisive period of our times. But I don’t believe this is a reason to stop trying to do something positive.

“From talking to many of the brilliant people who are busy organising events large and small I know that the country is sick and tired of division and keen to get back together.”

The message of this year’s event, due to be held on June 21-23, will be “Let’s Get Back Together”.

Catherine Anderson, from the Jo Cox Foundation, is also expected to use her speech at Monday’s launch to urge people to work towards healing divisions.

She will say: “Politics is all about strongly held views and rigorous debate and Jo never shied away from that.

“But it can and must be done in a way that shows respect for those we may disagree with and without seeking to widen divisions in society. Inflammatory language, threats and intimidation have no place in our public discourse.

“They represent the kind of politics Jo detested and everybody in public life has a responsibility to help take the poison out of our political culture.”