Thought For The Day – Thursday 18th June 2026
More In Common
In the United Kingdom, and beyond, elected public servants and representatives respectfully serve, and support, others, to make the world a better place.
For example, in September 2025, in the House of Commons, the Labour Member of Parliament for Hertford and Stortford, Josh Dean M.P., wearing a tartan ribbon in her honour, paid tribute to the former local Conservative Councillor and Mayor Norma Symonds, after Norma had passed away from this life.
One of the most poignant moments in the tour of the Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster, which students at The Bishop’s Stortford High School are fortunate to experience each academic year, is when crests are explained in the House of Commons chamber.
These crests remember Members of Parliament who have died in service. The excellent guides of the House of Commons particularly, and movingly, draw attention to two crests remembering two outstanding Members of Parliament to students and staff.
Sir David Amess was a Conservative Member of Parliament for 38 years, serving the Essex constituency of Southend West from 1997, and before that, the Essex constituency of Basildon.
Sir David Amess was murdered in 2021, five years ago this coming October.
Jo Cox was a Labour Member of Parliament, serving the Yorkshire constituency of Batley and Spen, from May 2015 until June 2016.
Jo Cox was murdered ten years ago on the 16th of June 2016.
Both Sir David Amess and Jo Cox were, are, and always will be, greatly respected public servants.
In the House of Commons, Sir David Amess’ crest features the words: “His Light Remains”.
In the House of Commons, Jo Cox’s crest features the words: “More In Common”.
“More In Common” is an extract from the following profound words Jo Cox said in her first, or maiden, House of Commons speech, which are always recalled and have become an important guide, inspiration, legacy, and reminder:
“We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us”.
These words, together with a photograph of Jo Cox in the House of Commons, are pictured below.
Today, Kim Leadbeater, the sister of Jo Cox, is the Labour Member of Parliament for the Yorkshire constituency of Spen Valley, formerly Batley and Spen, her sister’s constituency. Jo and Kim are pictured in the third photograph below.
