My Lords, Jo Cox was my MP. She was savagely attacked and murdered on a street just yards from the market place where we were due to meet that very afternoon to campaign together on an issue about which we both cared passionately: Europe. That was not to be.
Jo had strongly held, principled, views. She was willing to work with all those who would help to make a difference.

Following her murder, there has been an outpouring of love for Jo. The floral tributes placed in the market place grow daily. Yesterday over 100 came within just one hour.
The messages speak of real help given; concerns listened to; anxieties lightened.

People in her constituency of Batley and Spen knew who she was. Jo in her too, too brief time as our MP visited countless schools, community groups, and businesses. Everywhere she went she gave support and encouragement. “Be ambitious; yes you can” was her mantra. Keep positive. Be hopeful.
The evening she died, the local church in Birstall held a vigil. The church was packed. Literally standing room only. They included people from all faiths and none. Christians, Muslims, Sikhs together; mourning.

The following day I had reason to walk into Birstall. Now in Yorkshire when you meet someone in the street you say hello. That day the mood was heavy, sombre. Nobody wanted to speak. So there were no words. But there was an understanding that what had happened to Jo was a tragedy beyond words. An awful barbaric attack on her; a huge overwhelming sense of loss of a special person whose life was so brutally cut short. And, yes, a sense of anger that our democracy had been violently besmirched.

I was speaking with some young people yesterday. Jo had been to their school several times. At first, they said no-one was interested in politics. It was pointless. But not anymore. Jo had enthused many to see what can be achieved through political campaigning. And especially the girls.

We in Batley and Spen have lost a remarkable MP. The country has lost a spirited advocate for the poor and dispossessed wherever they live. Their family has lost the person they love. We are all the poorer for her passing.

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