Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn dies aged 88

Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn has died at home at the age of 88, his family said today.

The former cabinet minister died this morning at his home in west London surrounded by relatives.

In a statement his children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that our father Tony Benn died peacefully early this morning at his home in west London surrounded by his family.

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff and carers who have looked after him with such kindness in hospital and at home.”We will miss above all his love which has sustained us throughout our lives.

But we are comforted by the memory of his long, full and inspiring life and so proud of his devotion to helping others as he sought to change the world for the better.

“Arrangements for his funeral will be announced in due course.”

Manchester Labour MP Lucy Powell tweeted this morning: “Very sorry to hear the sad news about Tony Benn. He was a political giant of the last century, principled and passionate.  #RIP”Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne also paid his respects and tweeted: “So sad to hear about the death of Tony Benn.

Another chapter of Labour history closes. RIP comrade.”