McDonnell: Jo Cox’s murder shows Britain needs a more “civilised” politics

The murder of Jo Cox should lead to a more “civilised” debate today, John McDonnell said, as he appealed for people from across the political spectrum to come together.

The shadow chancellor said the death of the Batley and Spen MP was a “terrible, extreme example” of the way politics had changed.

Yesterday Thomas Mair, a loner who was obsessed with the far-right, was convicted of Jo’s murder as well as an attack on a pensioner who came to her aid.

McDonnell said this morning that people from across society should unite to drive out hatred.

“We’ve all been distressed about what happened to Jo. I think all of us – and it isn’t just politicians, it’s the whole of society now – have to look at how this has come about. Some of it is about the violent nature of our politics at the moment,” he told the BBC.

“A lot of MPs – Jo’s [murder] was a terrible, extreme example, but if you look at the abuse some people have suffered. In the past we’ve had it, but it’s on the rise again. We’ve had hate crime taking place, not just about migrants but a hate-crime rise against disabled people.

“I think what we have to be careful about in all walks of life now is to see how we can unite people.

“Even this Brexit vote has divided society. How can we come back together? I think everything we do now is about trying to unite our country, ensure that we engage in democratic debate in a civilised way. We will all learn lessons from this.”