The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Family’s poignant stories lead tributes toTony Benn
LA BOUR STA LWA RT Tony Benn was given an emotional send off yesterday, as figures as diverse as a former IRA commander, hard-right Tory opponents and a television impressionist gathered in Westminster to pay their respects.
Cherie Blair joined leading Labour figures, including leader Ed Miliband, shadow chancellor Ed Balls and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, in St Margaret’s Church, which was packed to its 750-strong capacity, for the funeral of the former cabinet minister.
But, in a mark of Mr Benn’s influence and standing, the congregation also drew figures from across the political spectrum. Sinn Fein’s Gerry A dams and Martin McGuinness, the former IRA commander who is now Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister, joined Conservatives including chief whip Sir George Young, his predecessor A ndrew Mitchell, Michael Heseltine and prominent backbencher Bill Cash, along with former Liberal leader Lord Steel, for the ceremony.
A lso among the mourners were Unite union boss Len McCluskey, impressionist Rory Bremner and leading figures from television news, including ITN newsreader A lastair Stewart and the BBC’s Robert Peston.
Outside, hundreds of well wishers gathered to listen to the service, which was being broadcast on loudspeakers, and frequently cheered and broke into applause as Mr Benn’s family shared memories.
Inthemoving, hour-longservicemourners were brought to tears and roused to laughter as his children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua, as well as Mr Benn’s brother David recounted tales of family life.
Eldest son Stephen said: “The very last words he heard on this earth was the four of us telling him we loved him.”
Daughter Melissa told the congregation her father was a “funny and mischievous” man who loved to play pranks but was also deeply emotional.
Hilary Benn, shadow communities secretary, said his father — whose death at 88 was announced on March 14 — had been an inspiration. “Life taught him that ideas and movements have the power to transform our world, and that’s why he was so determined to support others in their struggles. A nd he taught us that a better world is possible — at times seen clearly, at others only faintly glimpsed — but in so doing he inspired others to believe that too.”