Ten years after Jo Cox's murder, her sister Kim Leadbeater fears political discourse has worsened, marked by increased intolerance, far-right unrest, and online abuse. Experts and MPs discuss the shift from economic to identity politics, amplified by social media, and the challenges of fostering constructive dialogue.
Ten years after Jo Cox's murder, her sister Kim Leadbeater fears "kinder, gentler politics" has failed, with intolerance and division worsening. Experts cite identity politics, social media, and scapegoating as key drivers. Politicians face increased threats, impacting recruitment and safety.
Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was murdered by a far-right extremist on June 16, 2016, during the Brexit campaign. Her sister, Kim Leadbeater, now represents her constituency and discusses the lessons learned from the tragedy as far-right extremism becomes more mainstream.
Kim Leadbeater, sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, believes political division in the UK is now worse than during the Brexit referendum. Speaking on the 10th anniversary of Cox's murder, she urged public figures to counter divisive voices and promote positive stories about the country.
Kim Leadbeater, sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, believes political division in the UK is worse than during the Brexit referendum. Speaking on the 10th anniversary of Cox's murder, she urged politicians and public figures to counter divisive voices and promote positive stories.
Two MPs who backed the assisted dying bill secured high spots in the private member's bill ballot, offering a chance to revive it. MP Andrew George will consider taking it forward, while opponent Jess Asato calls it a "distraction."
Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne has won first place in the House of Commons' private members' bill ballot, securing the best chance to introduce his own legislation. Swayne, who has previously expressed a desire to be unsuccessful in the ballot, has not yet decided on a bill, but the outcome could impact the future of the Assisted Dying Bill.
The terminally ill adults (end of life) bill, which passed the House of Commons in June last year, has fallen in the House of Lords after more than 1,200 amendments were tabled. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has promised to reintroduce an identical bill in the next parliamentary session, exploiting a procedural rule that prevents peers blocking the same bill twice. Supporters called the Lords' actions a denial of democracy, while opponents said the bill had fundamental flaws.
