Brendan Cox’s complacency warning in tackling extremism

The husband of murdered MP Jo Cox made a rallying call for communities to unite during a lecture in Kirkcaldy.

Speaking at the First Jo Cox Memorial Lecture in the town’s Adam Smith Theatre, Brendan Cox warned against complacency in the face of extremism, while also defending Brexit voters.

“I know people who have concerns about immigration and the pace of change, but also have empathy,” he said.

Some people felt they had “nowhere to go”, he added.

The activist, who has worked with children affected by conflict, talked about his work and issues around extremism, and the rise of the far right.

“We spend much too much time talking about what divides us and not enough about what brings us together.

“The best way to defeat extremism is to work locally and work closer together.”

Mr Cox urged Fifers to take part in the Great Get Together charity event, to be held in his wife’s memory on June 17-18.

The public is being encouraged to hold street parties and other events aimed at bringing people together.

“I worked to counter extremism and hatred for a long time before it attacked my family,” he said.

“In one of her last speeches in Parliament, Jo quoted from Edmund Burke, ‘The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing’.

“That was her call to action and I hope it will become ours.”

Mr Cox was introduced by Sarah Brown, who had worked with his late wife on a campaign to reduce maternal deaths.

Mrs Brown said: “Jo was a friend of mine and a friend of so many people.

“Jo was a terrific campaigner and a really passionate advocate on behalf of others.”