I met Jo Cox for the first, and tragically the last, time at the Labour party meeting a couple of weeks ago in Batley. I introduced myself, and congratulated her on her performance at the meeting in particular, and her work as an MP in general. We shook hands, she gave me that warm smile, and we parted company. As I left the hall, I remember thinking that she was the genuine article: a straight-talking Yorkshire lass of compassion and principles who was her own woman. Here, at last, was someone who would make a real difference to the world in general and the UK in particular. This potential has now been sadly and pointlessly lost to a moment of inexplicable madness (Labour MP shot and stabbed to death, 17 June). A life has been cut short, and a family suddenly left without a mother, wife and daughter. Words cannot express the pain and horror they must feel, and my thoughts, like everyone’s, go out to her family, in this, their darkest hour. I hope that the reaction to this tragedy will not lead to restrictions on the public’s access to their MP. Violence can never be allowed to undermine democracy. Too many people have died protecting it. I didn’t really know Jo as a person, but I have a feeling that she would have subscribe to this view.
Richard Spreadbury
Liversedge, West Yorkshire
• Jo Cox’s death is a terrible tragedy. She is someone who got elected for the right reasons to help make the world a better place. She was not alone in that ambition among MPs. It has been one of the more nauseating elements to hear so many media outlets – that have spent the last few years encouraging an atmosphere of contempt for MPs – shedding crocodile tears over this tragedy. Jo supported the Syrian refugees, was a positive voice on migration (a rarity indeed) and backed remain in Europe. She was about an open, diverse society, the exact opposite of those who feed on the insecurity of many and the encouragement of a distrust of the other. The best epitaph to Jo Cox would be to continue to promote that vision of an open, diverse society, while facing down those who seek to divide us against each other.
Paul Donovan
London
• The greatest respect that politicians can show to Jo Cox and her family is to use the welcome reprieve from campaigning in the EU referendum to reflect on the dignified message of her bereaved husband. If, in respect to her, we can stop the confrontational, abusive and divisive way the campaign and much of current politics is conducted then maybe this awful death was not totally in vain.
Jane Fincham
Ashtead, Surrey
• The appalling death of Jo Cox can at least be a wake-up call to the population of the UK. The ensuing suspension of the referendum campaigns has come as a relief to me. I wish that the suspension could be continued until such time as a less febrile and more adult debate can take place. That this verbal cudgelling by each side, as if in some pantomimic medieval joust, should be the prelude to so momentous a decision being made for our country amounts to an episode of national madness.
David Evans
Exeter
• There are few people who have not felt profoundly affected by the devastating news of Jo Cox’s murder. I feel that it is time for us all to end the vilification of our MPs. By demonising and dehumanising our public servants we allow a culture of blame and hate to fester. We stoke a fire of indignant rage that justifies the killing of someone who was working tirelessly for the benefit of others, towards a vision of a better society. Jo Cox will be greatly missed and mourned not only by her family and loved ones but also by all of us who appreciate and respect just how much our elected representatives give of themselves on our behalf.
Jane Healey
Brighton
• A fitting memorial to Jo Cox would be to bring to this country unaccompanied children who are refugees and who are at risk in the camps in northern France or in other camps in continental Europe. It would be a humanitarian act that could create something positive from this dreadful event, and be an enduring legacy to what she had already achieved.
Michael Wrigley
Bath
• As Peter Gabriel sang of Steve Biko, “You can blow out a candle / But you can’t blow out a fire”. Jo Cox’s ideals will live on wherever people have conscience enough to consider and courage enough to admit their common humanity.
Austen Lynch
Garstang, Lancashire
• I would suggest that the Guardian should open a fund in memory of Jo Cox. Monies raised should go to helping homeless Syrian children. The values of Jo were surely those of the Guardian.
Terry Ward
Wickford, Essex
• After the dreadful killing of Jo Cox, would the most respectful and appropriate action be a complete embargo on all the hysterical campaigning and divisive commentary and debates. Give us a week of people being able to think things over quietly, and vote next Thursday for their considered choices.
Averil Lewin
Ely
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