As I reflect on the upcoming tenth anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. What makes this particularly fascinating is how her sister, Kim Leadbeater, has chosen to mark this somber occasion not with silence, but with a stark warning about the enduring divisions in British society. Personally, I think her words cut to the heart of a deeper issue: the way Brexit has reshaped how we view one another. It’s not just about leaving the EU anymore; it’s about the legacy of a campaign that, intentionally or not, turned neighbors into enemies.
The Brexit Divide: A Wound That Won’t Heal
In my opinion, Brexit wasn’t just a political event—it was a cultural earthquake. Kim Leadbeater’s observation that people were ‘pushed into camps’ resonates deeply. What many people don’t realize is that this polarization didn’t end with the referendum. It’s still here, simmering beneath the surface, ready to flare up in moments of crisis. The violence in Belfast, the racial attacks, the heated rhetoric from politicians—these aren’t isolated incidents. They’re symptoms of a society that’s lost the ability to disagree without dehumanizing the other side.
What this really suggests is that the ‘us vs. them’ narrative has become a default setting. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a British problem; it’s a global one. From the U.S. to Europe, we’re seeing the same pattern: politics as warfare, where compromise is seen as betrayal. But what makes the UK’s case unique is how explicitly it’s tied to a single event—Brexit. It’s as if the country is still reeling from a punch it didn’t see coming.
The Danger of Exploiting Fear
One thing that immediately stands out is how easily fear can be weaponized. Kim Leadbeater’s critique of politicians like Nigel Farage and JD Vance is spot-on. Their calls for ‘pure cold rage’ or blaming migrants for crimes committed by British citizens aren’t just irresponsible—they’re dangerous. What they’re doing, whether intentionally or not, is stoking the very divisions Jo Cox fought against. It’s a cynical strategy, preying on people’s genuine anxieties to score political points.
From my perspective, this is where the real damage lies. When public figures use tragedies to fan the flames of hatred, they’re not just dividing society—they’re eroding trust in institutions, in each other, and in the very idea of a shared humanity. A detail that I find especially interesting is how families of victims, like those of Henry Nowak and Stephen Ogilvie, have explicitly asked for calm. Yet, their pleas are often drowned out by louder, angrier voices. This raises a deeper question: who gets to define the narrative in times of crisis?
The Power of Choosing Unity
Kim Leadbeater’s decision not to name names when calling out divisive behavior is, in my opinion, a masterclass in restraint. She understands that giving oxygen to those who thrive on conflict only fuels their agenda. Instead, she’s choosing to amplify Jo Cox’s message: ‘We have more in common than that which divides us.’ It’s a simple idea, but one that feels radical in today’s polarized climate.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Leadbeater herself embodies this message. She could have used her sister’s murder to become a symbol of division, but she didn’t. Instead, she’s using her platform to call for understanding, even as she admits to being ‘very, very angry.’ This isn’t just about politics—it’s about personal choice. She’s showing that it’s possible to grieve, to be furious, and still choose unity over vengeance.
Looking Ahead: A Summer of Choices
As we approach the Great Get Together weekend organized by the Jo Cox Foundation, I can’t help but wonder: what kind of summer do we want? Leadbeater’s vision of barbecues, the World Cup, and community feels almost naive in the face of rising tensions. But that’s precisely why it’s important. It’s a reminder that the alternative—a summer of violence and fear—isn’t inevitable. It’s a choice.
In my opinion, this is where the real battle lies. It’s not just about politics or policies; it’s about the stories we tell ourselves. Do we see each other as enemies, or as neighbors? Do we let fear dictate our actions, or do we choose hope? Jo Cox’s legacy isn’t just about her tragic death—it’s about the possibility of a different way forward. And as we mark this anniversary, I think that’s the question we all need to ask ourselves: what kind of society do we want to build?
What this really suggests is that the divisions Brexit exposed aren’t permanent—but they won’t heal on their own. It’s going to take work, courage, and a willingness to listen. Personally, I think Kim Leadbeater is showing us the way. It’s not about ignoring differences, but about recognizing that those differences don’t have to define us. If there’s one takeaway from her words, it’s this: unity isn’t a given—it’s a choice. And it’s one we need to make, over and over again.
