A new tree has this week been planted by East Suffolk Council outside their offices in Melton, in memory of MP Jo Cox.
Councillors joined together at East Suffolk House on Tuesday 16 June for a tree planting ceremony to commemorate her life and to mark ten years since the Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen was murdered in her constituency.
The sweet chestnut tree supplied by Greener Growth was planted by Cllr Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council, Cllr Paul Ashton, Deputy Leader of East Suffolk Council, Cllr John Fisher, Cllr Mark Jepson and Mark Pendlington, Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk.
After the tree was planted councillors and officers from the council took a moment to reflect.
Councillor Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said:
“It’s difficult to believe it’s been ten years since Jo Cox’s life was taken. We believe that it is more important than ever to be unified despite political differences and that we debate in a respectful and civilised way that is why we’ve come together as councillors from different parties and none.
“Thank you to Greener Growth for supplying the tree and giving it the extra care it needs to be planted at this time of year. We hope the tree will act as a reminder of the importance of community, compassion and standing together, reflecting Jo Cox’s belief that we have far more in common than that which divides us.”
Cllr Peter Byatt, Leader of East Suffolk Council’s Labour Group, said:
“In these times where so many people seem to be angry about politics, this anniversary should remind us all, whatever our differing views, that we should take heed of the words of Ruth Bader Ginsberg – ‘We can disagree without being disagreeable.’ We must all strive for reasoned debate – not hate.”
The hand‑grafted fruit tree has been cultivated through Greener Growth’s partnership with Suffolk Probation Service and community payback teams, alongside work with Seeding Hope CIC. This initiative supports people who have been to prison to gain skills, purpose and confidence through horticulture.