16 June 2026
Today, the John and Pat Hume Foundation remember the courageous Jo Cox MP, murdered on 16 June 2016, in her Batley and Spen constituency, just days before the Brexit referendum campaign.
Tim Attwood said; “It is important to remember Jo Cox MP today, ten years after her brutal murder. She was a courageous leader who opposed hate and division and believed in a compassionate society. Her murder was a tragedy for her family and for democracy, but her strong voice still resonates today, through the Jo Cox Foundation which works tirelessly for stronger communities and a safe and respectful politics.’
Tim Attwood said: ‘The Hume Foundation has had the honour of partnering with the Jo Cox Foundation – @jocoxfoundation in promoting respectful politics in NI and on the island. We know the heavy cost of violence which sadly cost the lives of thousands of people including political representatives.’
‘The upsurge in racist abuse, intimidation and violence underlines the urgent need for a deep and meaningful conversation about how we promote a more respectful, tolerant and ethical civil and political discourse.
We cannot permit the toxic culture of sectarianism and racism to poison our politics and society. We must take a lead from the life of Jo Cox and promote civility in our politics and day to day discourse, where differences are respected and ethical and civilised dialogue is embraced and we look out for all our neighbours.
As John Hume said in his Nobel Peace address, ‘Difference is an accident of birth, and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it.’
Jo Cox Website www.jocoxfoundation.org