Alec Shelbrooke MP, Friday 17th June 2016.
Behind the discord of Westminster politics many good working relationships exist between Members of Parliament; relationships that span the political divide. Behind the bluster of party politics many endeavour to make a difference to the lives of the people they serve. Behind the hysteria of debate exist individuals with conviction that commands the respect of their colleagues. Jo Cox was one of those individuals: a shining example of all that is good about our liberal democracy.
During her first year in the House of Commons Jo made an impact greater than many achieve over decades in Parliament. Her compassion for humanity shone through the many contributions she made to debates on how best we can help those seeking refuge from conflict around the world.
We do not yet know the circumstances around Jo’s murder but we do know this was an attack on our democracy and on our liberty. In response to this attack I hope fellow MPs defend the freedom with which we serve our constituents – the relationship between us and the people we serve is an important one and it is an affiliation that must not be hindered by a fortress of security. Whilst I will be reviewing the security arrangements that protect my office team, it will be in memory of Jo’s belief in that boundless relationship between MPs and their constituents that the hatred of a few will not force me to hide away from the many residents I’m elected to serve.
Fellow West Yorkshire MPs – Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats alike – will feel that our region has lost a rising talent and a champion for all that is great about Yorkshire. It is testament to Jo’s life that her death has brought unity across the political divide.
My thoughts and prayers remain with Jo’s husband and their two young children.
“We have far more in common with each other than things that divide us”. Jo Cox MP, House of Commons, June 2015.