MP’s widower has spoken on the anniversary of her murder at the start of a series of events celebrating her life

The widower of Jo Cox has spoken out on the eve of the anniversary of the MP’s death, describing how her murder had “taken the heart out of our family” but not broken them. Brendan Cox was joined by all four of Britain’s living former prime ministers in paying tribute to the MP and the impact she had on the country’s political discourse.

They spoke as a series of events was due to get under way on Friday to commemorate Cox. The then MP for Batley and Spen was murdered by a far-right extremist last year in her West Yorkshire constituency. Acts of remembrance are taking place across the UK.

“When Jo was killed a year ago, it took the heart out of our family,” Brendan Cox said. “The first emotion was shock, both numbing and shattering. That, in time, gave way to a grief that remains very fresh, very raw, and continues to hit us in vicious waves when we least expect it. But our family has not been broken.



“Jo remains a key part of our lives through the stories we tell and the memories we cherish. She resides in the hearts and heads of our amazing children and she always will. Our kids still run at life with the passion that Jo did, they relish adventures and know how deeply they are loved. Jo’s death hit our family incredibly hard, and I have been told both by friends and strangers that beyond us, it also affected the country.”

He added that his wife’s murder had been intended to drive a wedge between communities, but had only succeeded in bringing them closer. He was joined by Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron, former prime ministers from opposing parties who came together to highlight the role Jo played in showing people what they had in common.

Major said Britain’s best was seen in its charitable and tolerant nature. “Even at times of recession, the British people put their hands in their pockets to help. I think that’s an admirable thing for them to do.”

His successor, Blair, said politics was an “often fierce and unrelenting” area. “But it shouldn’t take the murder of Jo, or the terrible events of the past few weeks, to remind us that ordinary people can do extraordinary acts of courage, kindness and generosity towards strangers and friends alike,” he added.

Brown paid a tribute to Cox herself, calling her someone who was “strong for those who were weak” and who “included those who were excluded”. And Cameron, who was prime minister when the MP was murdered, said: “When Jo Cox said, ‘We have more in common than that which divides us,’ she was spot on. Think of those things. Common sense, decency, respect for others, tolerance, a sense of humour, pride in our country.”

This weekend, the public are invited to get together for events, including street parties, barbecues, picnics, coffee mornings, tea parties and iftars, under the umbrella of the Great Get Together. To find out where the weekend’s events are taking place, click here.