BARROW'S former MP has paid tribute to his former colleague Jo Cox on the fifth anniversary of her death and spoken about how it reminds him of the responsibility of his role in fighting political violence.

The family of MP Jo Cox is marking the fifth anniversary of her murder by saying they remain optimistic about a future where people recognise the things "we have in common".

The country was rocked when the 41-year-old Labour MP was shot and stabbed in her constituency by a far-right supporter on June 16 2016.

Lord Walney, who is serving as Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption, said: "The fifth anniversary of Jo’s death is a moment to remember her extraordinary life and spirit, but inevitably we also think about the circumstances in which she was killed.

"On a human level, the fact that the Euros are on again brings back the memory of the horrible, shocking moment the news of her attack broke during the England-Wales match in the last tournament.

"Jo was killed by the perpetrator of a poisonous far right ideology that seeks to extinguish with violence and intimidation those who take a different view.

"When I think of the terrible loss suffered by Jo’s family and friends and the causes she so brilliantly championed, I feel the responsibility and privilege of my role reviewing political violence for the government all the more acutely.

"Our democracy, our diversity and our liberty here in the UK are precious and we must constantly be ready to defend our society against those who threaten violence to get their way."