BRIGHTON and Hove is set to do its part to mark the first anniversary of the death of murdered MP Jo Cox.

The Batley and Spen MP was shot and stabbed by far-right terrorist Thomas Mair during the EU Referendum campaign on June 16.

Labour politicians in the city, including her friend Peter Kyle who sat next to her on the Commons’ benches, are answering the call of her widower Brendan Cox who wants the weekend of June 17 and 18 to become a celebration of all the things the country has in common.

Picnics, street parties and bake-offs are being proposed around the country as part of the Great Get Together, backed by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Archbishop of Canterbury, and now plans are evolving to celebrate the MP’s life in Sussex.

Labour councillor Emma Daniel said she was contacted by the the Hanover Community Centre in Southover Street, Brighton, within minutes of posting on social media that she hoped the city could mark the anniversary.

She has been contacted by “many others” with offers of help including the Brighton Oasis project, substance misuse service for women and families, who are looking to hold an event.

Cllr Daniel said: “The murder of Jo Cox came at a point when our country was most divided. she stood for unity and celebrating our differences and working together as one community. her passion was around tackling loneliness. I will never forget her work and values.

“The chance to get together, be neighbourly and united as a community is one we should grasp with both hands.

“I really hope we can hold [an event at Hanover Community Centre] as its a lovely place and in the heart of the community I serve.

“The immediate outpouring of enthusiasm and warmth demonstrates how everyone felt that the loss of Jo Cox and the violence wasn’t just to her but to our very democracy, whatever party we may support.”

Mr Kyle said: “At a time when I’m hearing more and more from European friends and constituents that the country is becoming unwelcoming, the Jo Cox Great Get Together is a fitting tribute to a woman who understood the diversity of this nation is something to be celebrated.

“I’ve always been proud to live in a city which is tolerant and welcoming so this get together is our opportunity to shout loudly and effectively that “we have more in common than that which divides us” - as my dear friend Jo once said.

“For my part I’m organising a picnic on Hove Lawns on June 17 and I am confident that it’ll be a wonderful day, befitting of a wonderful lady.”

For more information visit greatgettogether.org.