At a time when it can feel easier to retreat into our differences than reach across them, two new films released as part of this year’s Great Get Together tell a different story.
One takes place in a parliamentary setting. The other on a football pitch in Bristol. Together, they ask a question that sat at the heart of Jo Cox’s politics and continues to shape her legacy: what do we discover when we create space for people who might not otherwise meet?
Created by Lucky Generals in partnership with The Jo Cox Foundation, the films explore connection across differences of faith, politics, background and lived experience — and remind us that we have more in common than that which divides us.
The first film brings together five women serving in public life for a filmed conversation marking ten years since the murder of Jo Cox MP: the Archbishop of Canterbury; Baroness Neuberger, rabbi and crossbench peer; Baroness Uddin, a Muslim community activist and non-affiliated peer; Baroness Gill, a Sikh Labour peer and former MEP; and Baroness Helic, a Conservative peer who now identifies as agnostic.
Coming from different faiths, beliefs and political traditions, they reflect on public service, identity, leadership and belonging. They talk candidly about the scrutiny women in public life face, the responsibilities that come with representing communities, and how to navigate disagreement without losing respect.
The discussion moves from multiple identities and family to belonging, disagreement and what solidarity can look like across difference. As one participant reflects: “I think there are lots of things we would disagree on… but it’s about how we disagree… can we talk to each other afterwards?”
By the end of the conversation, participants describe finding “a kind of sisterhood” – grounded not in sameness, but in shared values, mutual respect and a recognition of common humanity.
Asked what we owe one another, after an in-depth conversation, the answer comes back: “Respect.”
The second film moves from Westminster to Lockleaze Sports Centre in Bristol, where a Great Get Together organised by refugee integration and support organisation ACH brought together communities through football.
Part of Bristol’s British Refugee Festival and supported by The Jo Cox Foundation, the tournament welcomed 20 teams including refugee and migrant teams, grassroots clubs, local community organisations, college teams and neighbourhood groups.
One of the standout moments came when Ambition Lawrence Weston — from an area of Bristol that has experienced tensions around migration and integration — played against a refugee team from ACH.
After racing into a 2–0 lead, Ambition Lawrence Weston saw Team ACH fight back to make it 2–2, scoring a penalty with the final kick of the game. The final whistle brought celebrations from both sides.
Families watched from the stands above the pitch. Players shared free samosas at lunchtime. Later, Ambition Lawrence Weston lifted the tournament trophy to applause from across the competition.
The scenes are joyful — but they also tell us something important.
Connection does not require people to think the same, vote the same or share the same experiences. It starts with showing up, staying in the conversation and finding moments of shared humanity.
That belief sits at the heart of The Great Get Together — the annual celebration inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common than that which divides us.
At a moment when division can feel louder than connection, stories like these matter. They remind us that hope is not naïve. It is something people create together.
Watch the films and find out more about taking part in this year’s Great Get Together – marking ten years since Jo Cox MP was murdered.