Jo Cox was a passionate advocate who championed issues such as tackling isolation, loneliness, and extremism. Her legacy continues through events like the Great Get Together and her work with the Jo Cox memorial grant fund, which has supported thousands of women into elected office across 14 countries. However, challenges remain, including rising hate crimes and concerns over recent policy decisions like the UK's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Crouch emphasised the importance of Jo Cox's legacy in addressing loneliness, noting that the issue affects all age groups. She highlighted her experience as the first 'loneliness Minister', praising the cross-Government strategy established within eight months. Crouch stressed the health impacts of prolonged loneliness and shared recent statistics indicating increased levels since 2020. She recommended a major relaunch of social prescribing initiatives to tackle loneliness, advocating for a wellbeing budget focused on reducing loneliness as part of post-pandemic recovery.

Leadbeater paid tribute to her sister Jo Cox's legacy and the impact she had in politics before discussing the challenges faced by Batley and Spen, including reduced police numbers, cuts to road repair budgets, and growing poverty. She emphasised the importance of family, community, and working together across sectors to tackle issues and support each other, highlighting the work of the Jo Cox Foundation in building networks and tackling loneliness. Leadbeater also criticised the lack of investment in her constituency under recent government policies.

It is a tremendous delight, indeed a privilege, to follow the hon. Member for Batley and Spen (Kim Leadbeater). On the strength of what she told the House today, no one on either side can be in any doubt that we will all look forward to the issues she takes up and to hearing what she has to say—in my case, from across the Chamber. I know she is going to make a tremendous contribution on behalf of her constituents. It is 34 and a half years since I made my maiden speech, listened to by my father who was sitting on these Benches. We are all so pleased that the hon. Lady’s parents are here today to hear what she had to say and to see her maiden speech in the House of Commons. She spoke with enormous eloquence about her constituency, but she also spoke so kindly about her predecessors. I, of course, served first with Elizabeth Peacock, who was a formidable colleague, and the hon. Lady follows in the finest tradition of people who are outspoken and forceful on behalf of their constituents. The whole House will have enjoyed what she had to say today. I knew Jo well, and I first met her when I was in El Fasher in Darfur, Sudan, with David Cameron in about 2006. She was there at a meeting to fight for the rights of women who were being brutalised, murdered and raped in Darfur. She was a huge presence then, so long ago. I also remember her for the trademark scarves she used to wear. Jo approached me when she was elected to this House to ask whether I would join her in co-chairing the all-party group for friends of Syria, which I continue to co-chair with the hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern). We worked together very closely in trying to deal with that huge humanitarian crisis, which saw more than 5 million Syrians on the move. When this House met following the murder of the sister of the hon. Member for Batley and Spen, it fell to me to pay the main tribute from the Conservative Back Benches. It was one of the most miserable occasions in my nearly 35 years in this House. Today, in my very short speech on Jo’s legacy, I want to share two areas where she set us all a very good example, on whichever side of the House we stand. First, on almost any issue before the House, we would know in advance where Jo stood. That is an important point, because she was someone of such clarity and decency that, whatever the issue, those who knew her would know where she stood. She had a brand. Most of us do not have a brand or, if we do, we rather wish we did not, but she did. That is something to which all Members of Parliament should aspire—that the position we take on issues is clear and understandable. Secondly, Jo was an example of something the public do not always appreciate about this place but which sees this place at its very best, and that is working across parties to find agreement with those who may, in many other areas, have a different political opinion. She epitomised that principled clarity of views and beliefs on so many occasions, and not just in the Select Committees, all-party groups and other ad hoc groupings that this place has in abundance. It is one of the best aspects of the House of Commons, and one that is most appreciated by our constituents when it comes to light, that where it really matters we can work together in the public interest and in the interests of those we represent and who have done us the great honour of sending us to this place.

It is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell). I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Neil Coyle) on securing this debate, which is such an important occasion for us here in this House to reflect on Jo’s legacy, but, perhaps, above all else, I congratulate my hon. Friend the freshly minted hon. Member for Batley and Spen (Kim Leadbeater). I, too, joined her on the campaign trail in Batley and Spen. It really was quite an experience. I genuinely believe that Kim personally knew about 50% of the people and of every family on every street that we met in that constituency. We also had a chance to play some football in the streets, which I think was a vote winner. It certainly should be counted into the majority. I am very grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I had the privilege of knowing Jo—[Interruption.] I did not realise that this would happen so quickly. I would like to give way, thank you. I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention, but I am not sure whether that has helped me to pull myself together, but I will give it my best shot. I had the privilege of knowing Jo for around 20 years. We shared an office with her for a year before she was so cruelly taken from us. She would hurtle into our office in her cycling gear, having a chat with my staff and talking about one of the most amazing campaigns that she would be working on. These campaigns ranged widely from reducing loneliness in society to standing up for refugees and fighting for the Labour party’s values, Britain’s democratic values and compassionate values internationally. Jo was truly driven by giving a voice to the voiceless and by speaking truth to power. If I was really lucky she would bring her beautiful children into the office. It is these personal memories of Jo that I continue to cherish most every day.

Madam Deputy Speaker, thank you for calling me despite me charging into the Chamber... The one thing that I think we all need to remember—I do not single her out especially, as this applies to us all—is what this place is for. It is too easy to think of it as a place for soundbites and video clips, as a place where we pass a quick Bill or make a cheap point.

While the hon. Gentleman is heaping out praise, let me refer back to what the right hon. Member for the royal town of Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell) said earlier. I would not ever wish to speak for Jo, or ever claim that I could, but I know what she would be thinking at the moment and over the last few weeks: she would be heaping praise on the hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling (Tom Tugendhat) for the interventions that he has made. If she and her legacy give him any courage in what he is doing, he should know that she is—in my eye and in my mind—standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

The debate honours Jo Cox’s life, her contributions to community and country, and her humanitarian efforts. The speech recognises the establishment of a development grant programme in Jo’s honour by the Department for International Development, which funds women's empowerment organisations and prevents identity-based violence around the world. Additionally, it criticises the international response to conflicts such as Syria, advocating for a strategy to protect civilian life.

Reflecting on Jo Cox’s legacy and her efforts to bridge divides within society. The speech emphasises the importance of common values such as family, community, country, and humanity while acknowledging that there are different approaches to fulfilling these obligations.

Jo Cox led the Labour Women’s Network from 2011 until her election to Parliament in 2015. She was an activist, a feminist, a humanitarian, a friend, a parent, a politician, a leader, and a doer. Jo is remembered as someone who embraced sisterhood towards women of all diversities. Abena Oppong-Asare speaks about the legacy of Jo Cox, including the Jo Cox Women in Leadership Scheme which has offered intensive personal and political development to 175 women from every region of the UK, many being women of colour, disabled, or LGBT. The scheme aims to inspire feminist changemakers who persist despite setbacks.

Nusrat Ghani highlights Jo Cox's unique ability to handle both local and international issues with equal skill, emphasising her leadership capabilities and her intelligence on various topics. She also mentions that despite occasional disagreements, they often worked together positively on important issues such as the genocide amendment to the Trade Bill.

We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us. Anne McLaughlin shares Jo Cox’s positivity about human beings' capacity for humanity and emphasises the importance of unity, especially after facing personal safety issues due to political beliefs. She highlights the bravery and strength of Kim Leadbeater, who is running her campaign with a clear understanding of what she is stepping into.

Charalambous emphasises Jo Cox's legacy on tackling loneliness. He discusses the impact of loneliness on older people, carers, and refugees. The health impacts of chronic loneliness are highlighted as equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, including increased risks for mental health issues and cardiovascular diseases. He commends the Government’s strategy and appointment of a Minister for Loneliness.

Shared her personal experience with the Jo Cox women in leadership scheme and the impact it had on her life. She highlighted the importance of the legacy left by Jo Cox, emphasising her work to empower women and fight for humanitarian causes around the world.

Focused on the impact of Jo Cox's work on combating loneliness. She highlighted the importance of continuing this legacy through community efforts, such as events and activities organised by local groups to address social isolation and mental health issues.

Honoured to follow the speech of her hon. Friend, Sharon Hodgson congratulated Kim Leadbeater on her maiden speech in memory of Jo Cox, expressing admiration for Jo's cross-party working ethic and emphasis on unity. She highlighted Jo’s work on the loneliness commission which included young people as well as the elderly. Hodgson also mentioned the importance of keeping people connected during the pandemic through initiatives like the Great Winter Get Together for veterans organised by the Jo Cox Foundation and Royal British Legion. The speaker praised the impact of the Jo Cox women in leadership programme in encouraging more women to enter politics.

The hon. Member emphasised the emotional impact of Jo Cox's death and highlighted her legacy, including the work of the Jo Cox Foundation. She mentioned that Jo's name had been spoken about 129 times since the last election prior to the debate. The hon. Member also discussed the international work of the foundation through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office grants, particularly in Afghanistan. Additionally, she noted the importance of civility in politics and the need for respectful disagreement across political divides. She reflected on Jo's legacy within the Labour party and the support for women to realise their own power and agency to effect change.

Today we honour the life of Jo Cox, recognising her legacy that has left a profound impact around the world. Maskell highlights Kim Leadbeater's tribute as one of the most personal and passionate speeches ever heard in this House, reflecting on the unique bond between sisters. She also acknowledges Jo’s commitment to unity over division, promoting solutions through politics. Maskell emphasises Jo’s work on humanitarian issues such as Syria and her efforts to address loneliness by establishing a Minister for Loneliness. Furthermore, she mentions the Jo Cox Foundation's mission to create a kinder, more compassionate society where every individual feels they belong.

Leadbeater delivered a deeply personal and passionate speech reflecting on her sister Jo Cox's legacy. She spoke of Jo’s commitment to unity, compassion, and her relentless pursuit for justice and equality. Her tribute is noted as one of the most impactful ever heard in this House.

Kinnock reflects on Jo Cox's dedication to unity over division, highlighting her courage and honesty. He emphasises that Jo strove for solutions through politics and spoke truth to power.

Jarvis pays tribute to his dear friend Jo Cox, describing her as compassionate, kind, honest, funny, and courageous. He acknowledges that Jo’s legacy shines strong as a humanitarian figure whose memory will inspire for generations.

Dodds emphasises the keen presence of Jo Cox's legacy within the EU, noting her significant impact on the Socialist and Democrat group in Brussels. She highlights the importance of Jo’s message to promote a politics that unites people for achieving great things.

West speaks about Jo Cox's influence in encouraging positive contributions within the Chamber. She reflects on Jo’s inclusivity, warmth, intelligence, and challenge to divided communities with a sense of urgency and hope.

Crouch is recognised for her role in advancing the agenda forward from Jo’s legacy by establishing a named Minister for loneliness. This initiative, now marking its third anniversary, has gained significant importance during the pandemic.

Oppong-Asare reminds us of Jo Cox’s inspiration for women in leadership, particularly through her work with the Labour Women's Network. She highlights how Jo’s feminism was evident both internationally and locally.

Duffield talks about the power of women in leadership, drawing inspiration from Jo Cox's work on equality and justice. She emphasises the importance of Jo’s impact on advancing a fairer world.

Responding for the Government, Matt Warman congratulated Neil Coyle on securing the debate and praised Kim Leadbeater's speech. He highlighted two key areas: public service sacrifices and the importance of Jo Cox Foundation in ensuring her legacy continues to benefit communities across the world. The government is committed to tackling issues such as intimidation in public life, loneliness, and local community engagement. Warman also acknowledged contributions from various MPs on these topics.

Thanked the House authorities for allowing a debate to pay respects to Jo Cox. Emphasised the importance of cross-party work, citing contributions from various Members. Praised the new Member for Batley and Spen for carrying on Jo's legacy and family spirit.

Complimented the debate as moving and thoughtful, congratulating the hon. Member for Batley and Spen (Kim Leadbeater) for her contribution. Acknowledged that she will bring liveliness to future debates and expressed pride in her insightfulness.