Following the announcement of the death of the former Labour cabinet minister Tony Benn. Politicians from across the spectrum have been paying tribute to what many see as a principled, conviction and genuine socialist politician. Here are some of the tributes:
Labour leader, Ed Miliband, said: "The death of Tony Benn represents the loss of an iconic figure of our age. He will be remembered as a champion of the powerless, a great parliamentarian and a conviction politician. Tony Benn spoke his mind and spoke up for his values. Whether you agreed with him or disagreed with him, everyone knew where he stood and what he stood for. All of my condolences go to his children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua and his wider family. In their own ways, they are all a tribute to him as a father, a socialist, and a most decent human being."
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: "I am sorry to hear that Tony Benn has died. He was a magnificent writer, speaker, diarist and campaigner, with a strong record of public and political service. There was never a dull moment listening to him, even when you disagreed with everything he said."
Labour's Deputy Leader, Harriet Harman, said: "Tony Benn's extraordinary life has come to an end. His legacy will endure. Our challenge to take it forward. Our thoughts with his family."
The Conservative party Co-Chair, Grant Shapps, said: "Very sad news on Tony Benn passing this morning. An extraordinary orator and principled man. Thoughts with his family & friends this morning."
Tony Blair's former Director of Communications, Alastair Campbell, said: "RIP Tony Benn. A fighter all his life, fought death with the same courage he lived life. A large and loving family there with him to the end."
The Green MP, Caroline Lucas, said: "Politics and life seem so much poorer this morning. Tony Benn will be hugely missed for his courage, clarity, conviction and kindness."
Liberal Democrat Peer, Floella Benjamin, Said: Tony Benn a true gentleman. I'll always remember the generosity & kindness he showed me. He was a perfect role model who changed the world
United Kingdom Independence Party Leader, Nigel Farage, said: “I found Tony Benn personally engaging and highly entertaining. We shared a birthday and we used to joke about that. Tony was also one of the few people I have ever known who totally ignored the ban on smoking in public places. He used to tell me that given that he was in his eighties he didn’t think anyone would make a fuss. Britain has lost a giant political figure and my thoughts today are with his family.”
Lindsey German, from the Stop the War Coalition, said: "Tony Benn was a good friend to our movement, to stop the war, to me personally. He will be so missed an inspiration to the next generation."
