UMVA has learned that it's been ten years since Jo Cox, a British Member of Parliament, was brutally murdered by a right-wing extremist while walking to her constituency surgery.
The killer's chilling words, "Britain first" and "make Britain independent," still echo through the years. Cox's murder shocked the nation, coming just a week before the Brexit referendum, and marked the first time a sitting MP had been killed in the UK in over 25 years.
Kim Leadbeater, Cox's sister, has vivid memories of the period following her sister's death, but admits that much of the following period is a blur. "I've probably got that six months of my life where I don't remember very much, and I think that's obviously what trauma and shock does to you," she said.
Leadbeater recalls the intense emotions surrounding the Brexit debate and the brief moment of unity that followed her sister's death. "People said that we need to do things differently, and we needed our politics to be more compassionate, and we needed to be able to be more respectful to each other, even on issues that we disagree about. And that didn't last very long."
The UK's political landscape has continued to be marked by division and violence, including the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in 2021. Leadbeater fears that the country is being driven apart by a media that prioritizes negativity and social media platforms that discourage nuance.
She also believes that some individuals in positions of power are exacerbating the problem, intentionally stoking division. However, Leadbeater emphasizes that this is not just a problem for politicians to solve, but a societal issue that requires a collective response.
Leadbeater contrasts her sister's approach to politics with the current state of affairs, highlighting Cox's commitment to helping others and her ability to bring people together. Cox worked for humanitarian organizations for 15 years before entering Parliament and was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion.
Despite her tough exterior, Cox was also shy as a child and had to work hard to overcome her shyness. Leadbeater encourages young people to follow in her sister's footsteps, promoting a message of kindness and compassion. The Jo Cox Foundation's Great Get Together events will take place this weekend, ahead of what would have been Cox's 52nd birthday.
These events serve as a testament to Cox's lasting legacy, with many schools and community centers continuing to celebrate her life and values. As Leadbeater said, "Sometimes really dreadful things happen, but actually when they do, often then lots of really good things happen. That's what we've got to remember."
