The murder of Jo Cox, a British MP, has left an indelible mark on the nation, and her sister, Kim Leadbeater, warns that the country has yet to fully recover from the divisions stoked by the Brexit vote. In an interview with The Independent, Leadbeater reflects on the tragic event, which occurred on June 16, 2016, just days before the EU referendum. Cox was shot and stabbed by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair in her constituency of Batley and Spen, a murder that shocked the world.
Leadbeater, now a Labour MP, expresses her ongoing anger over her sibling's death, but also calls for a united front against the rising tide of division and violence. She highlights the impact of Brexit, which she believes has pushed people into camps and made them view those with differing opinions as enemies. This, she argues, has led to a breakdown in civil discourse and a rise in hate crimes.
The recent scenes of violence across the UK, including the rioting in Belfast and the racist attack on nurses, are a stark reminder of the divisions that Cox's murder exposed. Leadbeater emphasizes the importance of remembering Cox's message of unity and understanding, which was encapsulated in her first speech in Parliament: "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us."
However, Leadbeater is critical of those who exploit people's fears and concerns for political gain. She takes aim at Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, for his call for "pure cold rage" in response to the murder of Henry Nowak, and at US Vice President JD Vance for his claim of an "invasion of migrants" in Europe. Leadbeater argues that these statements prey on people's genuine fears and concerns, further exacerbating the divisions.
Leadbeater also expresses concern about the potential for violence to spread this summer, urging people to reflect on the kind of summer they want to see. She advocates for a summer filled with positive activities like the World Cup and barbecues, rather than one marred by violence and division.
In the wake of Cox's murder, the Jo Cox Foundation has organized the Great Get Together weekend from June 19-21, aiming to remember her message of unity and understanding. Leadbeater believes that this event is a powerful way to honor her sister's legacy and promote a more harmonious society.
