Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas paid tribute to the murdered Labour MP Jo Cox in the House of Commons this afternoon (Monday 20 June).
MPs were recalled specifically for the tributes, with just 19 members speaking during the hour-long sitting, including the Speaker John Bercow, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the Prime Minister David Cameron.
Afterwards MPs and others attended a church service in her memory.
Caroline Lucas said: “I did not know Jo well at all but the more I have learned about her life and work makes me wish so much that I had done.
“I want to convey the Green party’s very sincere condolences and our deep sadness.
“Indeed, on behalf of the many constituents who have been in touch with me, as constituents have been in touch with all honourable members, I want to send those deepest condolences to Jo’s husband, Brendan, her children, and her other family and friends.
“Jo knew what really mattered and cut through to what was important.
“Her commitment to cross-party working, to speaking out for the voiceless and to fighting for justice are a shining light.
“As we pause and reflect on all Jo achieved in her short time as an MP, there is also the opportunity to recommit ourselves to the many causes for which she was such a powerful advocate and to pledge to not let them be forgotten.
“It seems that all who worked with or knew Jo considered her a friend. I want to mention in particular the staff in her constituency office who will no doubt be hugely affected by the events of last week.
“Jo was a formidable woman, juggling the demands of serving her constituents with those of being a mother.
“She will be very much missed and will always be remembered. We pledge in her memory to do all we can to continue to put hope before hatred.”
Mr Bercow said at the start of the sitting: “Colleagues, we meet today in heartbreaking sadness but also in heartfelt solidarity.
“Any death in such awful circumstances is an outrage and a tragedy. Yet this death in this manner of this person, our democratically elected colleague, Jo Cox, is particularly shocking and repugnant.
“All of us who came to know Jo during her all-too-short service in this House became swiftly aware of her outstanding qualities.
“She was caring, eloquent, principled and wise. Above all, she was filled with, and fuelled by, love for humanity.
“Devoted to her family and a relentless campaigner for equality, human rights and social justice, Jo was proud to be the Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen, where she had her roots and where she was determined to live life to the full. She succeeded superbly.
“Jo was murdered in the course of her duty, serving constituents in need. She fought for them just as she fought for others – at home and abroad – who were victims of poverty, discrimination or injustice.
“An attack such as this strikes not only at an individual but at our freedom. That is why we assemble here both to honour Jo and to redouble our dedication to democracy.”
