03 March 2010

Tribute to Michael Foot

“A great Socialist and a fine Gwent MP”

Former Welsh and Northern Ireland Secretary and MP for Torfaen, Paul Murphy MP today said that Michael Foot was one of the greatest socialists of all time as well as being a fine MP for Ebbw Vale and later in Blaenau Gwent.

“I had known Michael for over 30 years, and the whole Labour movement is deeply saddened by the news of his death. He was a true socialist, never wavering in his views, and he had a particular affection for Gwent, representing Ebbw Vale (Blaenau Gwent) after the death of Nye Bevan.

“I knew Michael as a friend and as a neighbouring constituency colleague, and as Gwent MPs campaigned on many issues together. He had a real understanding of the people of the Welsh Valleys and was proud to be an adopted Welshman. He led the party through especially difficult times, and I have no doubt that the party would have fractured had it not been for his leadership.

“He was a distinguished Leader of the House and Secretary of State for Employment and many consider him one of the finest parliamentary orators of the 20th Century.

“Michael was a very close friend of my predecessor, Leo Abse, and with his passing, a generation passes as well.”

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