POLITICAL sparring will take a back seat in Swindon tomorrow as people from all parties come together to mark the anniversary of the death of Jo Cox.

Jo, a Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was murdered on June 16 last year by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair.

And tomorrow events will take place all across the town with the aim of celebrating Jo’s legacy and her famous remark that there is “more that unites us than divides us”.

The Walcot Library and Community Centre will see families come together for a multicultural street party complete with Irish dancing, Nepalese singing, children’s entertainment, a BBQ, and much more.

All money raised from the day will go to the British Red Cross’ UK Solidarity Fund to help victims of terrorist attacks anywhere in the UK.

Organiser and Labour councillor Derique Montaut said: “The idea is to show the type of diverse community we live in where nobody is excluded because of their race or colour. We want people to live together in harmony.”

Meanwhile, over at the Central Community Centre in Emlyn Square, local groups such The Harbour Project, Swindon City of Sanctuary and Voluntary Action Swindon, to name just a few, will be treating guests to live music, food and refreshments all in the name of remembering Jo Cox.

Swindon’s MPs and parliamentary candidates have also spoken of the importance of continuing Jo’s legacy.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “It is vital that we honour the memory of Jo Cox and remember that just one year on, the strong message of unity and hope is one that must prevail and that we have much more in common than that which divides us.”

Labour’s Sarah Church and Mark Dempsey, both of whom fought the Conservatives in the election earlier this month, issued a joint statement in which they spoke of the need for people to come together in unity.

“It is true that unity of spirit in this country is stronger than any force that seeks to divide us,” they said.

“Swindon is a welcoming and inclusive town and this weekend will be the perfect opportunity to get together, to put our differences aside, to enjoy our shared values and to have fun.”

And North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson will later today hold a tea and coffee session from 3pm until 4pm at his office in the Orbital Shopping Park.

He said: “It’s a moment to reflect and to be grateful for all of the positives going forward.”

He spoke about dismantling barriers and not letting hatred win.