No words can adequately describe the raw feeling in the House of Commons on Monday. We met for one purpose only, to pay tribute to colleague. The message had spread from one MP to another that her closest friends thought a white rose of her beloved Yorkshire would be a fitting token of respect. Without any official word being said MPs from every party and every corner of our islands sat on the green benches and the gaps between or stood at the fringes of the House wearing a rose in her memory. As the House fell silent for "prayers" all of us present could hear a child laughing as he ran down a corridor at the back of the chamber. Jeremy Corbyn and David Cameron spoke well of an MP who was only elected last year but has made a big impact. However the most moving tributes to Jo Cox, unsurprisingly, were from her close friends, on both sides of the House. Although she fought passionately for what she believed Jo Cox always sought out friends and allies wherever she could find them to advance what she believed was right. Tributes came from across the party political divide, it was one of those days, rare but they happen, when there wasn’t in reality any divide.
After the speeches were done, MPs walked together through the Place of Westminster, past the spot where Spencer Perceval (the only Prime Minister to be assassinated) was mortally wounded, into the sunlight and over to St Margaret's, the Parish Church of Parliament. The service ended with "Guide me O thou Great Redeemer". I have heard plenty of hymns sung but never one sung with such determination.
As we had left the chamber to walk to St Margaret's, applause had broken out and become thunderous. It never happens. MPs were not applauding the speeches; there in the public gallery looking down were Jo Cox's parents, her husband and, waving back at us, her children aged 5 and 3. For many that was a difficult moment.
No MP will stop being available and approachable to constituents. Not only is it an essential part of the role, it's what most of us enjoy most about the job. What is more as Jo, I suspect, would have been the first say, there are millions who every day put themselves potentially in harms way, just to help others. There are still many more millions who when called on, react without hesitation, not least the gallant Mr Kenny who sustained injuries going to Jo's defence.
Jo Cox's maiden speech saying that we have far more in common than divides us has been quoted often. We are (today) entering the climax of what has been a highly charged and emotional referendum debate. Whatever the answer the people of this country will have spoken. Remembering that there is indeed far more that unites than divides us is a message for all, but especially for my fellow MPs and me as we return to Westminster.