Key information
Date: Thursday 02 July 2026
Time: 10:00am
Motion detail
Caroline Russell AM moved, and Elly Baker AM seconded the following motion:
“This Assembly recognises the recent anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox and remembers her powerful message “we have far more in common than that which divides us.”
Debate and disagreement are integral parts of democracy, however in recent years the line between healthy political disagreement and harmful division is becoming increasingly blurred, with political discourse growing more and more toxic.
According to a 2025 survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) 7 in 10 councillors reported experiencing abuse or intimidation in the last year, and more than half reported being victims of misinformation.
Rising levels of abuse and hate directed at people involved in politics whether from the media other politicians or coordinated campaigns can discourage potential candidates from standing for election and ultimately undermine democracy. As our political landscape becomes more polarised, there is a responsibility on all those involved in politics to lead by example and to promote respectful disagreement.
This Assembly also notes the ongoing work of organisations including the Jo Cox Foundation, Compassion in Politics and campaigns such as the LGA’s Debate Not Hate campaign, who aim to encourage healthy debate, to promote cooperation in public life and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation.
This Assembly believes that political disagreement must never become dehumanisation and that democratic institutions are strongest when debate is conducted with respect. We therefore call on all those engaging in public debate to recommit themselves to the principles of respectful engagement.
This Assembly further calls on the Mayor and the GLA family to continue supporting initiatives that promote respectful political discourse and more broadly, programmes that encourage community cohesion across London’s diverse communities.”
Following debate and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed unanimously.