Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum gathered in Westminster this week to put differences aside over The Great Get Together Beer. The initiative marks a major, poignant milestone: the 10th anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox MP.
The Parliamentary launch kicked off the final countdown to a nationwide campaign by The Jo Cox Foundation ahead of The Great Get Together weekend (19th-21st June). The Foundation is encouraging the pub industry to get involved as important places where people from all walks of life already connect, converse, and cross paths.
Parliamentarians raised a glass to celebrate Jo’s legacy and the places that keep communities together. As the political community sets an example of cross-party unity in Parliament, the campaign aims to see neighbourhoods and local venues follow suit, proving that community spirit remains stronger than division.
While the countdown began in Westminster, the national weekend itself will see people connecting in an array of ways. From street parties, neighborhood picnics, and community sports days to interfaith gatherings and school assemblies, the initiative aims to show the country what is possible when people choose connection over division.
“We had the original Great Get Together Beer in 2017, a year after Jo was killed, and I am delighted to see it return for the 10th anniversary,” said Kim Leadbeater MP, sister of Jo Cox. “Pubs and clubs sit at the heart of our communities, and few things bring people together quite like sharing a drink. The Great Get Together Beer is a reminder that community is built through simple acts of connection and finding common ground.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Every pub is a parliament, or so the saying goes. For centuries, the great British pub has been the ‘glue and fabric’ of communities up and down the country, as the Prince of Wales correctly observed only last week.
“As anchor businesses on our nation’s high streets, they bring much more than economic value, as vitally important as that is. They provide the space to celebrate and commiserate, a place to make friends and meet friends, and provide the antidote for social ills like loneliness and isolation — vital community spaces where people get together while sharing a delicious pint of beer. There can be no better place than the pub to celebrate the Great Get Together on this important anniversary.”
Tonia Antoniazzi MP added: “As chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, I see first hand the economic and social importance of beer and pubs in our local communities. Pubs are where we gather to share a pint with neighbours, friends, and family, to celebrate and commiserate together. I am delighted to launch the Great British Get Together Beer in Parliament with my colleague Kim Leadbeater in memory of her sister, Jo Cox, and encourage everyone to support the Great British Get Together this June.”
The original Great Get Together beer was brewed by Adnams. This time around, it’s a collaboration between Yorkshire breweries Theakstons and Timothy Taylor’s.
