Islington Council has formally remembered the legacy of Jo Cox MP and vowed to tackle extremism and racism in all its forms, with specific initiatives planned to address these issues.
The motion, passed unanimously at a full council meeting on Thursday, July 2, 2026, acknowledged the tragic murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess MP, and called for a recommitment to respectful public debate. The council resolved to support efforts to push back against divisive politics and hate crimes, and will use Democracy Week to encourage residents to engage in local politics. Furthermore, Hate Crime Week 2026 will be used to address the rise in hate crimes impacting residents and councillors alike, and the council plans to support the Mayor of London's campaign against online misinformation and divisive rhetoric.
Councillor Una O'Halloran, Leader of the Council, proposed the motion, stating: We cannot for one moment tolerate hate in our borough until we unite we stand together against it. We are a borough sanctuary who welcomes all and never discriminates.
She added that while disagreements in the council chamber are expected, they must be conducted with civility. Over the next four years, yes we will disagree frequently maybe in this chamber, but we do so acknowledging the need for civility in public life. We all need to turn the temperature out of politics then and focus on finding solutions rather than fueling anger and resentment towards one another,
Councillor O'Halloran said. The Mayor also reminded everyone at the start of the meeting to treat each other with respect and courtesy.
Councillor Benali Hamdache, Leader of the Green Group, seconded the motion, reflecting on the impact of Jo Cox's murder and the importance of standing against hatred. He highlighted the awful, awful rhetoric that we've seen about refugees and migrants in the Conservative government
and noted that the recent election campaign was marked by quite a lot of abuse and really sometimes quite racism that any of us could ever remember.
Councillor Hamdache also spoke about the continuum of violence experienced by politicians and residents alike, from verbal abuse to physical assault. I've experienced violence and challenge in my life. And I draw a continuum between the time I was on the bus with Councillor Possum and Quash, and I was spat at as a councillor, to the times when I was punched in the face because someone perceived I was gay outside a nightclub,
he explained. He stressed that it's incumbent on politicians for us to be passionate and sometimes be angry, but to be respectful and not to dehumanise and not misinform.
Councillor Heather Staff detailed specific actions for Finsbury Park, including the Clear, Hold, Build
initiative. This involves investing in longer-term prevention through work with young people, support for vulnerable residents, community safety initiatives, and engagement with residents to build a safer and stronger Finsbury Park. She also stated that the partnership with the Metropolitan Police is making a difference in reducing crime in the area. Hate crimes have sadly surged across London in the wake of tragic and awful events in Southampton, Belfast and across the world,
Councillor Staff noted, adding that Islington stands united against hate in all forms
and that the council will continue working with our communities and our partners to ensure Finsbury Park and the Borough of Islington remain a welcoming, safe and exclusive place for everyone.
Councillor Toby North, speaking in his maiden speech as a Labour councillor for Barnsbury, drew parallels with Northern Ireland's journey towards peace. Growing up in Derry gave me my belief in tolerance, debate, and reconciliation,
he said. Today, as we remember Jo Cox, her message that we have more in common than that which divides us feels particularly important. It makes me think of Northern Ireland's journey towards peace. Many believed division was permanent and peace impossible, but others chose and continue to choose to believe that people can be brought together. They recognise that reconciliation does not mean forgetting our differences. It means simply refusing to let those differences define our common humanity.
The motion resolved to tackle all forms of extremism and racism, including, but not limited to, the far-right and anti-immigration extremism which led to Jo Cox MP's murder and the religious extremism responsible for the murder of David Amess MP.
For more details on the council meeting, refer to the Public reports pack.
