Member

In a previous life, as a pupil barrister, I sat behind prosecuting counsel at the trial of the murderer of Jo Cox MP. I learnt an awful lot—not about legal process or criminal procedure, but from Jo’s family, who arrived each day at court with smiles, holding hands and with a bag of sweets that they offered to assembled journalists, security guards and indeed the lawyers, including the defence barrister. I take inspiration from their strength. It was an honour to campaign for my hon. Friend the Member for Spen Valley (Kim Leadbeater) in that vital by-election, and it is even more so to share these green Benches with her today.