Jo Cox legacy should encourage respectful conduct in politics

The London Assembly has recognised the recent 10th anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox MP and reiterated the importance of respectful engagement in political debate.

Assembly Members noted concerns about increasing levels of abuse and intimidation directed at politicians, campaigners and members of the public, and agreed that such behaviour has no place in a democratic society.

The motion calls on all those engaging in public debate to recommit to respectful conduct, and on the Mayor and the GLA to continue supporting initiatives that promote civility and community cohesion across London.

Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"While Assembly Members come from a range of political backgrounds with diverse beliefs, we are united in recognising that we must lead by example. 

"Political discourse is becoming increasingly polarised and our conduct has a ripple effect far beyond this chamber and as an Assembly we must hold ourselves to account." 

Elly Baker AM, who seconded the motion, said:

“Jo Cox MP reminded us that we have far more in common than that which divides us. At a time when abuse, intimidation and misinformation are becoming an increasingly common part of public life, that message is more important than ever.

“Political disagreement is healthy, but personal abuse and dehumanisation are not. Nobody should be discouraged from serving their community because they fear threats or intimidation.

“London’s democracy is strongest when debate is conducted with respect. We all have a responsibility to lead by example, stand up to toxic political discourse and help build a culture where people can disagree without hatred or abuse.”

The full text of the motion is:

“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.”

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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