Jo Cox: how is the murdered Labour MP being remembered - five years on from her death?

The family of MP Jo Cox have called for people to remember her kindness five years after her murder in West Yorkshire
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The family of MP Jo Cox is marking the fifth anniversary of her murder by saying they remain optimistic about a future where people recognise the things “we have in common”.

The country was rocked when the 41-year-old Labour MP was shot and stabbed in West Yorkshire by a far-right supporter on June 16 2016.

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The mum and Batley & Spen MP was attendeding a constituents' surgery at Birstall Library.

The family of MP Jo Cox is paying tribute to her on the fifth anniversary of her death (PA)The family of MP Jo Cox is paying tribute to her on the fifth anniversary of her death (PA)
The family of MP Jo Cox is paying tribute to her on the fifth anniversary of her death (PA)

Thomas Mair, who a court heard had been obsessed with white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideologies, was jailed for a whole life order at the Old Bailey for her murder.

He is thought to have harboured a hatred for Cox's stance on allowing refugees into Britain.

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How is Jo Cox’s family paying tribute to her?

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On 16 June, Leadbeater suspended campaigning on the anniversary of her murder.

A statement on behalf of the whole family said: “We all miss Jo every day.

“Her energy, warmth, passion, humour and love.

“She looked for and believed in the best of people and the best of our country, for what unites us, rather than where we disagree.

“We remain optimistic that her vision of a country where we are better at recognising what we have in common is gradually getting closer.

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“Though our family has been devastated by our loss, we still feel Jo’s love as a mum, wife, daughter, sister and auntie every single day of our lives.“

What is the Jo Cox foundation?

The Jo Cox Foundation was set up after her murder to campaign against the abuse and intimidation of people in public life – it also aims to bring people together under the banner “More in Common”.

Since its creation, the Jo Cox Foundation has founded and held four 'Great Get Together' festivals across the UK bringing people together for street parties, picnics and other events.

The work of the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission also resulted in the UK having the world’s first Minister for Loneliness, the first cross-Government strategy and a significant investment of £20m.

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Su Moore, CEO of The Jo Cox Foundation, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “When Jo was killed, we saw an outpouring of grief in the UK and around the world, both from those who knew her, and those who didn’t. But as well as sadness, we also saw respect, admiration and love.

"At the Jo Cox Foundation we’re proud to carry on Jo’s legacy every day, striving to build stronger communities, to encourage civility in public life and advocate for a fairer world. We’ll continue to place Jo’s values and beliefs at the centre of all our work for the next five years and beyond.”

Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said: “The UK Government is proud to support the Jo Cox Foundation to continue its vital work.

"The Foundation ensures Jo’s memory lives on through their work to improve the lives of women around the globe, from supporting girls education and women’s empowerment to preventing gender-based violence.

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"Over the last year thousands of women across Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Uganda have benefitted from their grants, giving them support and training they need to enter politics or secure leadership positions.

"By working together, we can help make the difference that Jo Cox wanted to see in the world.”