The Great Get Together kicked off in Wales today with an event in the Senedd. Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales, welcomed schools, community groups, Assembly Members and the First Minister of Wales to celebrate the life of Jo Cox MP and everything we have in common.
Pupils from Grangetown Primary School, St Paul’s Primary School Grangetown and Albany Road Primary School listened to musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and wrote their own messages on the “What We Love” Wall at the event, which will be on display in the Senedd over the weekend as Great Get Together events take place across Wales and the rest of the UK.
Elin Jones AM said: “Out of the tragedy of Jo’s death, her husband, Brendan Cox is working to bring neighbourhoods and communities together, which is why we too have come together to celebrate Jo’s life. People across Wales will be holding their own Great Get Togethers this weekend. As Jo said, we have far more in common than that which divides us, and I want to thank everyone for showing their support today.”
Brendan Cox said:
“I’m humbled and touched by the way the people of Wales have united behind the idea of The Great Get Together. I’m honoured that the National Assembly for Wales has held its own event. It will set the ball rolling for the many events that I know are being hosted all across Wales the following weekend.
“From a Theatr Clwyd picnic in North Wales to the Scouts and Girl Guides combining forces in Carmarthen, and a sing along in Cardiff Bay, the spirit of The Great Get Together will be captured in so many different ways.
“When people seek to divide us and drive communities apart we show our strength by rejecting hatred and coming together with a determination never to let the extremists win.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “We have all been deeply affected by the appalling terror attacks in London and Manchester, but we must unite in the face of adversity.
“While many of us will be feeling upset, scared and angry, it is important we remember the words of Jo Cox; we have far more in common than that which divides us.
“The Great Get Together is a timely opportunity to reject divisions and, instead, bring people together. Our hope, togetherness and unity will always beat hate, and those who seek to divide us.”