The tragic death of British Member of Parliament, the Honourable Comrade Jo Cox, came as a shock to us all. Regarded as the ‘rising star’ for the opposition UK Labour Party, Cox was a woman who had proven her astounding capabilities as a leader and more so as a woman who had risen above patriarchal politics and broken the glass ceiling several dozen times with her fortitude, compassion and perseverance.
The DAP, expresses the deepest condolences to the family, friends, comrades, colleagues and constituents of the Honourable Comrade Cox. As social democrats and progressives, we believe that If you kill one innocent person, you kill all of humanity. We unreservedly condemn the individual who committed the abbhorent crime of murdering Comrade Cox and urge that justice is done unto all affected, and lawful treatment is handed to the perpretator.
Often outspoken, she was a firm believer in the progressive agenda – she upheld the values of social inclusion, fought hard for refugee rights and often spoke about unity, in a time, when this concept is increasingly becoming foreign to us all.
These are indeed dangerous times; relationships between human beings are often tested and have proven to be quite volatile especially concerning matters when the others’ existence may feel threatened. Feelings of insecurity, fear and trepidation toward diversity have proven to be extremely harmful and has absolutely no place in the world of today.
The untimely departure of Cox, must serve as a wake up call for the world, that Violence is never the answer nor is it ever a worthwhile solution to any of our problems. In light of the recent attacks in Orlando, the on-going inhumane carnage and dark-age brutalities in the hands of ISIS/Daesh occurring in parts of the Middle East, as well as widespread –and rapidly growing-radical and extreme movements instrumentalising religion, geo-identity and ethnocentricities the world over, it may seem that there are those who walk amongst us who will condone such barbaric acts. It is up to every one of us, to stand up against all that goes against humanity and put an end to this circle of hate.
In her famous maiden speech in the British Parliament, Cox famously stated “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us” – though, human beings may have different ways of responding to differing socio-political opinions or values, being devotion to a cause must never be used to legitimise senseless acts of violence that goes against all reason and logic.
“Hate doesn’t have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous” Let her words resonate through the fabric that holds our communities together and know that goodness shall prevail and in dark times, there will always be that ray of light that will shine and guide us out from the darkness.
We extend our hand of solidarity to Comrade Cox’s family, The Labour Party and the people of Britian at this difficult time.