Tony Benn, former Labour politician, dies at 88

Former British Labour politician Tony Benn passed away at the age of 88 on Friday morning.

His death was confirmed in a statement released by Benn's children, Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua, reports The Telegraph. "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."

The statement also extended their thanks to the various medical staff that helped out, both at their home and the hospital.

Benn was a former cabinet minister and spent over 50 years as an MP. The New York Times notes that he was the first to stay in the House of Commons by passing on an aristocratic title.

He is remembered for often being very Leftist, even as the Labour Party began to become more center while Prime Minister Tony Blair was in control. Benn also strove for nuclear disarmament, peace and was against the European Common Market back in the 1970s.

Benn was known to be quite rebellious in politics and was heavily opposed to having England enter into Iraq with the U.S., and often spoke out against Blair's friendship with President George W. Bush.

Many British politicians spoke out in remembrance of Benn on Friday, with Prime Minister David Cameron noting he "was a magnificent writer, speaker and campaigner. There was never a dull moment listening to him, even if you disagreed with him."

image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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