About 400 people, led by Islington MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Emily Thornberry, crowded outside the town hall this evening for a vigil in memory of Jo Cox.
Labour leader Mr Corbyn and Mrs Thornberry called the vigil today, following Mrs Cox’s killing in her Batley and Spen constituency on Thursday.
In a powerful speech, Mr Corbyn told the huge crowd gathered in the town hall forecourt: “Yesterday morning, Emily and I were discussing the horror of this situation. Jo was simply doing her job when she was shot and stabbed. She is now dead, her children orphaned and husband grieving. Her whole town is grieving.
“Her death is appalling, an assault on all of us and freedom of speech. Her passing is a reminder of how fragile life is, how vulnerable we all are and how important it is that we stand together as a community of different groups.
“Let us stand together, here tonight in Islington, one community in this wonderful borough.
“In her memory, let’s be strong and hold out hands of friendship to those who need it. Division achieves nothing.”
An emotional Mrs Thornberry said: “The events of last week were truly shocking. A young woman cut down in her prime, serving the public. She was a friend of mine, a friend of all ours.
“The work she did for refugees was work we won’t forget. I hope we all now remember the commitment of Jo.”
The speeches were followed by a minute’s silence, with the crowd holding candles in Mrs Cox’s memory. Mr Corbyn, Mrs Thornberry and others then signed a book of condolence.
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