Remembering Jo Cox — A Legacy of Unity and Civility

By Kamal Preet Kaur

On Wednesday, 18th of June, I had the honour of attending the Parliamentary Great Get Together at Speaker’s House, representing the Fabian Women’s Network — a moving event held in memory of Jo Cox MP and in celebration of her powerful message: we have more in common than that which divides us.

Organised by Compassion in Politics, hosted by Kim Leadbeater MP and attended by MPs from across the political spectrum, the gathering reminded us that politics can be at its best when rooted in compassion, respect and public service. The atmosphere was both solemn and hopeful, filled with warmth, remembrance, and shared purpose.

Heartfelt tributes were paid by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP, and Conservative MP Sir Andrew Mitchell. Sunak reflected on his shared Yorkshire roots with Jo and how they entered Parliament the same year. Despite political differences, he said, their conversations were always respectful — a lesson we can all carry forward.

Rachel Reeves shared her personal memories with Jo, one of which was Jo shadowing her in her constituency for a day. By the end of it, she said, people were asking who the real MP was — such was Jo’s natural warmth and connection with others. Rachel paid tribute to Jo’s family — her parents, husband, children, and sister — for keeping her spirit alive through the Jo Cox Foundation.

Sir Andrew Mitchell recalled meeting Jo in Darfur, where she gave him a bracelet that read "Not on My Watch", which he still wears. Later, she invited him to work cross-party on Syria — a testament to her principled, bridge-building approach.

Yvette Cooper spoke powerfully about Jo’s whirlwind energy, the challenges women in politics still face, and the importance of treating one another with civility and care — especially in an age of online hate.

I had a quiet moment with Jo’s parents, Jean and Gordon — Jean and I were misty-eyed as we remembered her. I said, “Thank you for giving us Jo,” and to her husband and children: “Thank you for sharing her with us all.”

Clockwise from left: With Late MP Jo Cox's sister Kim Leadbeater MP, with her parents Jean and Gordon Leadbeater and reiterating The Civility Pledge with Compassion in Politics Co-Director Jennifer Nadel

There was something incredibly moving about the warmth in the room — not just in words, but in gestures. Yvette Cooper remarked she had hugged at least two Tories that afternoon, and added with a smile that Kim must have hugged everyone in the room. That spirit of open-heartedness — of reaching across difference with kindness — truly captured Jo’s legacy.

Jo, having come from such loving and grounded parents, made me reflect on how it must have felt to all the people whose lives she touched — not just through her work, but through the warmth of her hugs and the light of her presence.

The event was attended by representatives from The Jo Cox Foundation, Fawcett Society, 50:50 Parliament, Labour Women’s Network, Labour Women’s Parliamentary Staff Network, The Fabian Society, the Co-op, and Compassion in Politics — all united in reaffirming Jo’s legacy and the values she championed.

It was a privilege to be there — a reminder that Jo’s legacy endures wherever people choose hope over hate, kindness over cruelty, and compassion over division.

About the author: Kamal Preet Kaur is an elected councillor, a multi-platform journalist and a member of the FWN executive committee.