The WIP Secretariat is shocked and saddened by the death of MP Jo Cox (UK, Labour Party), who was stabbed and shot while working in her constituency on 16 June. Cox fought for a world where everyone looks at things we all have in common. Something, we all should remember – standing together against fear and for diversity.
To remember her fight and hold up her legacy, more than 1500 parliamentarians from more than 40 countries, including female MPs from the WIP network, have signed the following pledge:
“Last week, the life of UK MP Jo Cox was brutally and senselessly snatched away. As many have been, we are shocked to the core at a violent attack on democracy and our values. As human beings, we are devastated at the loss of an indefatigable and compassionate campaigner, mother and colleague. And as parliamentarians, we commit to ensuring her legacy is upheld.
In her first speech to parliament, just one year ago, Jo said: “While we celebrate our diversity … we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”
Every elected representative should reflect on those words this week. Let this be a turning point for us all. Beyond politics and parties, we must as societies stand together to stem the poisonous rising tide of fear and hate that breeds division and extremism. We must follow Jo’s example to open our arms with love to our communities, our neighbours and those less fortunate than ourselves, and to celebrate our tolerance and diversity.
Jo was a lifelong campaigner against injustice. She entered parliament because she wanted to be in the engine room of change, to steer a course toward a better future. Today we say: we will keep our hands on the wheel. We will do whatever it takes to renew our bonds and fight for those at the margins of our society, our continent and the world.”
A list with all signatories can be found here.
