CEREDIGION LABOUR PARTY organised a series of vigils for murdered MP Jo Cox in Lampeter, Cardigan and Aberystwyth this weekend.
The Banner of Love, on which people were invited to write messages reflecting on the tragic killing of the Labour MP, travelled with the vigil collecting messages of love, support and unity from across Ceredigion.
Jo Cox had only been an MP for one year but was known for her work for immigrants and for women and for her support for the people of Syria and Gaza. She was one of a handful of MPs who nominated Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour leadership election last year and in doing this she played a vital part in the revitalisation of the Labour movement in the UK and here in Ceredigion. She was also an active pro-European campaigner.
The Ceredigion Jo Cox vigil culminated in Aberystwyth on Sunday morning with a minutes silence led by Alex Mangold from Ceredigion Labour Party. Representatives from five political parties were present amongst a crowd of 50 to 60 people, keen to pay their respects to Jo Cox and find solidarity with others in their shock and disbelief. It was an emotional event, with tears from some, but it was also uplifting and inspirational.
Alex Mangold spoke of Jo Cox’s desire to realise an inclusive society and the need to stand together and work together to create the kind of society that Jo would have wanted.
The Banner of Love is collecting messages in Welsh and English from people of all ages and backgrounds across Ceredigion. A message from a little girl in Cardigan reads simply “Lots of love from Ella”. 15 year old Cyffin from Lampeter wrote out Jo’s words from her first speech in the House of Commons, “We are far more united and have far more in common than things that divide us”.Other messages say “We stand with you in sisterhood and loss”, “We have lost one of our best”, “Diolch am weithio mor galed i wneud y byd yn le jwell”,
“Thank you for inspiring us”, “Mewn undod mae nerth. Dewn at ein gilydd i barhau dy waith”,”Your voice will forever be heard”, and “Peace, Unity Light. RIP Jo.”
The former Labour Mayor of Cardigan David Grace wrote a message from himself and Linda, his wife which read “Your message must live on – it’s all our responsibility to make sure it does.” Alice Hooker-Stroud, Chair of the Welsh Green Party wrote “Love + hope. United for a better future in your rememberance. Heddwch.” Lisa Francis of the Conservative Party, Elin Jones AM Plaid Cymru, and Alec Dauncey Welsh Lob Dems also wrote messages.
Labour AMs Joyce Watson and Eluned Morgan wrote messages on the banner in Cardigan today (Monday) where they were attending a Labour IN campaign meeting at the Guildhall.
Eluned Morgan AM said today about Jo Cox, “‘Jo Cox’s energy, commitment and enthusiasm to support the most vulnerable and weakest in our society was an inspiration to us all. We must honour her memory through learning to respect each others opinions even if we disagree.”
Joyce Watson AM said: “Jo Cox was a humanitarian who showed compassion for all those who needed it. She strove to unite humanity for the greater good. We owe it to her to keep that humanity alive in her name.”
The Banner is going to Aberaeron this evening (20 June), to the Ceredigion Labour Women’s Forum.
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