A few words I spoke in Church yesterday.
This is a very sad time for me.
My friend and colleague Jo Cox MP was killed last Thursday. I would like you to remember Jo’s words. “While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again, as I travel around the constituency, is that we are far more united and we have far more in common with each other, than things that divide us”
Jo was cheeky, mischievous and very determined to create a better world. She was inspirational. Jo had worked for Oxfam in some of the most dangerous places in the world, but she was killed in her constituency doing her job as an MP.
Jo was a mother of two young children. Her husband Brendan has said that “we should all unite against the hate that killed Jo”.
I have no room in my heart for hatred. I only have room for the love of God.
I want to thank all of you for your support. All the people who have thanked me for being their MP. It is an honour to represent the people of Neath. A privilege. This is my church. You are my people.
I want to thank my staff in my office in Neath – Dean, Leanne and Shakey. I am happy most of the time, but I work very hard and I demand hard work from them. Thank you for putting up with me.
I want to thank my friends who have stood by me.
My beautiful daughter Angharad. Who is the love of my life.
We will be returning to the House of Commons tomorrow for a service for Jo in the Chamber, followed by a service in St Margaret’s Church.
Next Wednesday we will be holding a vigil for Jo in my office at 5pm, it would have been Jo’s 42nd birthday. Please come and join us.
We have to cut through the hatred in this world, there should only be compassion.