Jo Cox’s life was a lesson to us all
Murdered MP saw the best in people — in this final week before the vote, we should try to do the same
JO Cox’s murder is beyond comprehension. Her family have lost a wonderful wife and mum. Our democracy has been robbed of a new MP of great talent and potential.
We salute her energy and generosity of spirit. And we pay tribute to her husband’s extraordinarily dignified and moving statement.
We do not yet know if Jo’s killing was linked to the fever pitch in which this Brexit referendum is being conducted.
But it seems too much of a coincidence for there to be no connection to the nationwide outpouring of hate from both sides.
Indeed some opportunists who should know better wasted no time exploiting the tragedy yesterday to tarnish their opponents and even to say it had clinched their vote.
The Sun is campaigning for Leave. Today is not the day for it.
Let us just say this.
This referendum campaign has gone far beyond a frank and honest debate.
Supporters of both Remain and Leave routinely cross the line.
Leavers are subjected daily to a barrage of abuse from the top of the Remain camp down.
Sensible, moderate, intelligent people with real fears for their livelihoods and their communities — or those of others — are smeared as moronic, easily led, racist Little Englanders.
It is unfair on millions of people. But it is given credence by the extreme rhetoric from Leave’s far-right flank.
The Sun does not like to see posters demonising queues of immigrants.
We have always said we do not blame them for seeking out a better life.
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Our objection is not about race. It is about the weight of numbers and Britain’s inability to cope with them.
We believe that is the genuine concern of millions.
No one should shrink from campaigning for their side in robust fashion over the next six days.
But it would be good for both Leave and Remain to remember that the vast majority of those on the other side are not motivated by prejudice or hate.
They simply have different views on the right course for Britain.
Jo Cox saw the best in people. We should try to do the same in this final week before the vote.