Calls for Sunderland to honour memory of murdered MP Jo Cox

Street parties, bake-offs and picnics are to be held around the country to remember Ms Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, who was murdered in her constituency last June.

The gatherings, known as the Great Get Together, will take place on June 17 and 18 – with the aim of getting people to ‘celebrate all we have in common’.

Jamie Oliver and the Duchess of Cornwall have both pledged their support to the initiative. Dozens of charities, including Amnesty International and the RNLI, are also backing it.

Julie Elliott, who represents Sunderland Central, said: “I would like to see Great Get Togethers held across the city, as this is a chance to bring all our communities closer together.

“I have already been in contact with schools, community projects and other groups to make this happen, as these events will be a wonderful tribute to the memory of Jo.”

Ms Cox told MPs she was proud to represent the diverse constituency of Batley and Spen in her maiden speech to Parliament back in June 2015, and added: “We are far more united, and have far more in common with each other, than things that divide us.”

Tragically, just a year later she was killed by Thomas Mair, 53, who was later jailed for life after being convicted of her murder.

Ms Elliott added: “Jo’s killing was designed to divide people and promote hatred. However, the Great Get Together events marking her death can help bring us all closer together.

“Jo’s family are relying on people like you to help make the anniversary of her murder a nationwide celebration of strength, kindness and unity of our communities.”