Britain parties on in memory of

THERE is nothing like a street party to tell you something about British resolve, even in times of crisis.

It seems fitting that 12 months after the brutal death of MP Jo Cox, and as the country comes to terms with the dreadful events of the past few weeks, communities all over the UK are spending the hottest weekend of the year outside in streets and parks, sharing food and drink with their neighbours, and letting their children run about freely in the sun.

It is, after all, what we do best. We carry on regardless.

In the small Yorkshire town of Heckmondwike, at the heart of Jo Cox’s Batley and Spen constituency, that sense of coming together and carrying on in the face of unspeakable tragedy was stronger than ever this weekend. She grew up here. She understood the passions and peeves of the people who live here, and they loved her for it.

“People thought so much of her,” said Lisa Thewlis-Hardy, manning the ice cream stall at a party in the park hosted yesterday in her honour. “She was such a part of the community, and she had such strength and people loved that about her. Some people in politics are not as involved in the community as she was. We were her people, and that was what she stood for.”

Among those enjoying the sunshine were the Cox family. Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, her husband Brendan said he had been “awed” by the turnout in her home town and across the country. “It’s beautiful,” he said, looking around as children raced about. “Moments like this are how we recognise the best in our country.