LAST year the country was shocked by the brutal murder of MP Jo Cox.

The politically motivated killing came in the run-up to the EU referendum vote – at a time when the country was fiercely divided.

Since then far-right activist Thomas Mair has been jailed for life as Jo’s family try to rebuild their lives.

Among the grief and sadness it is fantastic to hear her family is planning to mark the first anniversary of her death with a celebration of all the things we have in common.

It has become something of a tired soundbite but it is true that there’s more that binds us then divides us.

It is wonderful to hear that plans are already being made in Brighton and Hove for June 17 and 18.

Expect picnics, street parties and bake-offs as well as sports competitions and sea swims.

We do ourselves proud when it comes to community events. You only have to think of Pride, the annual Brighton Festival and the likes of Kemp Town Carnival and Brunswick Festival.

We like a good party and we like to come together. There already appears to be considerable interest.

Labour councillor Emma Daniel was contacted within minutes of posting on social media that she hoped the city could mark the anniversary.

As she says in today’s piece, Jo’s murder came at a time when our country was at its most divided. But Jo stood for unity and celebrating our differences and working together as one community.

How great it would be to remember this politician, wife and mother by coming together and enjoying the things that bind us.