Has the killing of a British politician made us fearful for the future?
- Text by Theo McInnes
- Photography by Theo McInnes
When the news broke this week that a British MP had been shot dead in her constituency, a nation froze in its tracks.
Ed Miliband MP
At the height of a campaign that will determine the future of Britain in the European Union tensions have been high, politicians and campaigners from all sides of the political spectrum have been in overdrive. Then you hear a politician has been killed, and one can’t help but be hit with some perspective.
Reports from witnesses say the man shouted “Britain First” as Jo Cox MP was killed, in court this morning when asked his name, the man responded simply: “My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain.” It seems almost certain Jo’s killing was an act of far-right terror. Only time will tell how this man’s views developed, but the dark, hateful rhetoric that’s consumed much of British politics in recent months and years surely has to be called into question.
At an emotional candlelit vigil outside the Houses of Parliament last night, we asked attendees whether what’s happened this week has made them fearful for our future.
Gabriel 22
“As long as there are crowds of people like this right here: Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and beyond, it gives you hope for the future. If we as a society stand up and say we don’t stand for these things, we’ll fight against them, than that gives me hope.”
Dominic, 17
“Yes, as a political activist I’m worried about the safety of activists and those in politics. I’m hopeful that this at least might lead to a clampdown on violence against women and activists.”
Ingrid, 22
“It make me fearful, especially with everything that’s happened in the United States this week as well. It’s easy to think that we’re so detached, so far away, that it wouldn’t affect us, but this bring it closer to home. Then tonight’s vigil, the numbers of people, it makes me hopeful that my peers and those people around me can being something positive from this tragedy.”
Simon, 23
“For too long we’ve got used to seeing the way shooting happen in the U.S. and we’ve become detached, but the same far-right hate-filled ideology is still part of people’s mentality over here. I think it’s part of a growing trend, and we’ve seen it in the EU referendum campaign – immigration comes up and tensions are high. I’m not saying it’s linked, but it’s the context. It does make me worry for the future – we see these divides, and all it takes is some poisonous ideas for tragedies like this to happen.”
Matt, 24
“There’s a lot of people saying we shouldn’t politicise something like this, after such a tragic incident, but the root of the matter is this came about when there’s really bilious, hateful rhetoric about immigration going around. To shy away from the fact this has created an ideological space for the far-right to commit their own atrocities is ludicrous. This shows there is a problem with far-right terror, sympathy, and it’s terrifying – these views are legitimised everyday. It’s only a matter of time until more of these things happen.”
James, 26
“No, I’m not really scared. The response and the people here, there’s been no sympathy for the killer. People have been pretty unanimous in their condemnation.”
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Why is the Amazon’s ‘great roar’ river wave shrinking?
Pororoca — Set in northern Brazil’s edge, a miles long tidal bore has become a destination for waveriders attempting its endless surf. But its future is uncertain, as landscape and weather changes have seen its power mellow in recent years.
Written by: Gaia Neiman
Dropping in at Lahore’s first ever public skatepark
Skate Pakistan — Set right in the centre of Pakistan’s capital city, the free-to-use space has started a mini youth revolution in the country. Z. Raza-Sheikh tracks how it came to open its doors.
Written by: Z. Raza-Sheikh
Dredging and drifting with the last wild oyster fishermen of the River Fal
Cornish pearls — Using only the power of the wind and centuries-old traditional techniques, harvesting oysters in the last wild fishery in England is a sustainable, yet dying, practice. Jack Burke goes trawling with Jason, one of the few keeping it alive, to find out more.
Written by: Jack Burke
Inside the London rollerskating scene’s fight for space
Chop & shuffle — A new, young generation is skating with a style unique to the UK’s capital, but they’re up against security guards, dog units, and padlocks. Sunny Sunday reports on the community’s search for a home.
Written by: Sunny Sunday
Inside the shadowy, booming underground world of Urbex
Touching bricks — Spurred by social media success and a desire to live in the physical world, a new generation of teenagers and young people are sneaking into abandoned buildings and documenting their discoveries. Letty Cole goes fence-jumping with two Urbexers to find out more, and gets chased by security in the process.
Written by: Letty Cole
Sumo’s away day shook London. Could it ever take off?
Hakkeyoi — Touching down at the Royal Albert Hall, the Grand Sumo Tournament marked the second time an official five-day tournament has ever taken place outside of Japan. Ella Glossop investigates whether the sport could ever find mainstream success on British soil.
Written by: Ella Glossop
