Ex-labour leader Michael Foot dies
Former Labour leader Michael Foot died today, aged 96.
Former Labour leader Michael Foot died today, aged 96.
Mr Foot died shortly before 7am at his home in Hampstead, north London. He had been ill for some time.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Mr Foot was a "genuine British radical" who had been a "respected and unifying" leader of the Labour Party. He added: "Michael Foot was a man of deep principle and passionate idealism and one of the most eloquent speakers Britain has ever heard.
"The respect he earned over a long life of service means that across our country today people, no matter their political views, will mourn the passing of a great and compassionate man."
Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced the death to MPs. He said: "I am sure that this news will be received with great sadness not only in my own party but across the country as a whole."
Tory leader David Cameron said Mr Foot had been a "remarkable man".
He said: "He was a brilliant speaker. I'm obviously not old enough to have been in the House of Commons at the same time, but reading some of his speeches (they) were incredibly powerful."
Labour former deputy prime minister John Prescott said in a message via Twitter: "A great man has died. He was the heart of our movement."