Call for tolerance and respect on anniversary of Jo Cox MP’s murder

Ten years on from the murder of Jo Cox MP, Islington Council is calling for those across the political spectrum and across the country to embody her values of care, tolerance, and respect.

Cllr Una O'Halloran - Leader of the Council - and Cllr Benali Hamdache - Leader of the Opposition - have today issued a joint statement calling for "tolerance and respect" and modelling the best behaviour from political leaders. At Full Council next month, both parties will come together to commemorate the anniversary.

Ten years on from the murder of Jo Cox, we remember not only the profound loss felt by her family, friends and colleagues, but also the values she championed throughout her life.

Jo believed deeply in public service, in compassion, and in the simple truth that our shared humanity is greater than our political differences. Her words and her example remain a guiding light for all of us who serve in public life.

Politics should be something everyone can participate in. But abuse, violence and harassment prove to be powerful disincentives for many good people to not enter community politics.

No one should face abuse, intimidation or threats for doing their job as an elected representative.

Yet we know that far too many councillors and candidates - including here in Islington - experience unacceptable behaviour that is violent, racist, sexist and discriminatory. This was, sadly, the case for many of our colleagues during this year's local election campaign.

Politics will always involve disagreement, and rightly so. But disagreement must never become dehumanisation.

We all have a responsibility, as councillors, campaigners, residents and those engaging in public debate, to lead by example and to show that it is possible to disagree robustly while still treating one another with dignity. We also have a duty to reject extremism, and be proud of the progressive and inclusive politics of our borough.

In Islington, we honour Jo Cox's legacy by renewing our determination to build a politics that reflects the very best of our community - one rooted in compassion, cooperation and the belief that we truly do have more in common than that which divides us.

Cllr Una O'Halloran - Leader of the Council

Cllr Benali Hamdache - Leader of the Opposition