Hastings remembers '˜inspirational' MP Jo Cox with vigil

Dozens turned out to pay their respects to MP Jo Cox in Hastings with a vigil yesterday (Sunday, June 19).
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jun 2016, 13:27 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 00:00 BST

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Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082012001Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082012001
Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082012001

Hastings mayor Judy Rogers joined the walk from St Mary in the Castle to Swan Terrace which some claimed 150 people attended.

The vigil was organised to show solidarity with the politician’s friends and family after she was killed in her West Yorkshire constituency on Thursday (June 16).

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It was also to raise awareness against violence towards women and co-organiser Louise Hersee said Mrs Cox was an ‘inspirational’ campaigner for social injustice.

Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082127001Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082127001
Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082127001

“I think we were just like everyone else in the UK as we were so upset about what happened,” she said.

“It’s not just the death of a politician but she worked so hard to fight social injustice and it was across all political parties, it went beyond that.

“She worked for Oxfam and went to Darfur and Syria, she was truly inspirational. So many people felt the same way.

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“It’s important for us to show solidarity with her family and friends and to show that we will keep on fighting social injustice here in Hastings in her memory and name.”

Hastings mayor Judy Rogers, St Clements Church's Rev Robert Featherstone, Lex Coan and Louise Hersee. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082033001Hastings mayor Judy Rogers, St Clements Church's Rev Robert Featherstone, Lex Coan and Louise Hersee. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082033001
Hastings mayor Judy Rogers, St Clements Church's Rev Robert Featherstone, Lex Coan and Louise Hersee. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-082033001

Louise said it was a quiet walk with no shouting but they got an applause on George Street from people outside cafes as they went past.

Hastings MP Amber Rudd joined many other politicians in paying tribute to the ‘exceptional’ Labour MP Cox, calling it a ‘huge loss’.

The 41-year-old MP was attacked in the village of Birstall, West Yorkshire, reportedly being shot and stabbed multiple times before dying in hospital.

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Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with Mrs Cox’s murder and faces other charges including GBH, possession of a firearm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders.Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders.
Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders.

Vigil organised in memory of MP Jo Cox in Hastings

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Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-081329001Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-081329001
Vigil in memory of Jo Cox. Photo by Sid Saunders. SUS-160620-081329001

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Related topics:Jo CoxHastingsWest YorkshireSyria