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'Loss' felt as Michael Foot dies 'Loss' felt as Michael Foot dies
(30 minutes later)
The former Ebbw Vale MP and Labour Party leader Michael Foot has died, aged 96.The former Ebbw Vale MP and Labour Party leader Michael Foot has died, aged 96.
He was described as "a real giant" by First Minister and leader of Labour in Wales Carwyn Jones and "hugely loved" by former First Minister Rhodri Morgan.He was described as "a real giant" by First Minister and leader of Labour in Wales Carwyn Jones and "hugely loved" by former First Minister Rhodri Morgan.
His passing was described as "a loss to the political culture of Wales" by Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones.His passing was described as "a loss to the political culture of Wales" by Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones.
Mr Foot, who succeeded Nye Bevan in 1960 in the Ebbw Vale constituency, died at his home in Hampstead, London.Mr Foot, who succeeded Nye Bevan in 1960 in the Ebbw Vale constituency, died at his home in Hampstead, London.
He was elected Labour leader in 1980, succeeding Cardiff MP Jim Callaghan, but he stood down after losing the 1983 election to Margaret Thatcher.He was elected Labour leader in 1980, succeeding Cardiff MP Jim Callaghan, but he stood down after losing the 1983 election to Margaret Thatcher.
Mr Foot, a prolific writer who wrote a biography on Bevan, handed over leadership of Labour to Neil Kinnock.Mr Foot, a prolific writer who wrote a biography on Bevan, handed over leadership of Labour to Neil Kinnock.
Mr Foot was first elected to Parliament in 1945 and was an MP for 47 years.Mr Foot was first elected to Parliament in 1945 and was an MP for 47 years.
He may have been born in Plymouth but he was a giant of Welsh politics.He may have been born in Plymouth but he was a giant of Welsh politics.
Foot was described as the outstanding parliamentarian of our timeFoot was described as the outstanding parliamentarian of our time
He succeeded his friend and inspiration, Aneurin Bevan, as MP for Ebbw Vale in 1960, and represented the seat for 32 years.He succeeded his friend and inspiration, Aneurin Bevan, as MP for Ebbw Vale in 1960, and represented the seat for 32 years.
One of the great political orators, he nevertheless led Labour to its worst defeat in 50 years at the 1983 election.One of the great political orators, he nevertheless led Labour to its worst defeat in 50 years at the 1983 election.
But his rebellious spirit, his passion and loyalty endeared him to many in Wales.But his rebellious spirit, his passion and loyalty endeared him to many in Wales.
He was the Labour leader who presided over a disastrous defeat for the party at the 1983 general election.He was the Labour leader who presided over a disastrous defeat for the party at the 1983 general election.
The left-wing manifesto he put to the public advocated higher personal taxation, more government intervention in industry and unilateral nuclear disarmament.The left-wing manifesto he put to the public advocated higher personal taxation, more government intervention in industry and unilateral nuclear disarmament.
It was famously dubbed "the longest suicide note in history" by Labour MP Gerald Kaufman.It was famously dubbed "the longest suicide note in history" by Labour MP Gerald Kaufman.
Foot had earlier had to deal with splits in his party, as the so-called 'Gang of Four' left to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP).Foot had earlier had to deal with splits in his party, as the so-called 'Gang of Four' left to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
It's very sad news and marks the passing of someone who was a real giant both within the Labour party and in Britain as a whole First Minister Carwyn JonesIt's very sad news and marks the passing of someone who was a real giant both within the Labour party and in Britain as a whole First Minister Carwyn Jones
The son of a solicitor and Liberal MP, Michael Foot had been President of the Oxford Union and editor of Lord Beaverbrook's London Evening Standard before he entered parliament as MP for Plymouth in Labour's 1945 landslide.The son of a solicitor and Liberal MP, Michael Foot had been President of the Oxford Union and editor of Lord Beaverbrook's London Evening Standard before he entered parliament as MP for Plymouth in Labour's 1945 landslide.
His first attempt to enter the Commons had been at a Welsh seat, Monmouth, at the 1935 general election.His first attempt to enter the Commons had been at a Welsh seat, Monmouth, at the 1935 general election.
As an MP he pressed for a more radical agenda, especially in defence policy, and was a founder of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.As an MP he pressed for a more radical agenda, especially in defence policy, and was a founder of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
He was NHS founder Bevan's most prominent ally on the left of the Labour Party until they fell out when Bevan renounced unilateral disarmament at the 1957 Labour conference.He was NHS founder Bevan's most prominent ally on the left of the Labour Party until they fell out when Bevan renounced unilateral disarmament at the 1957 Labour conference.
Their friendship survived, and Foot was eventually to write Bevan's biography.Their friendship survived, and Foot was eventually to write Bevan's biography.
Foot's opposition to defence spending led to the whip being withdrawn from him in 1961 and he was outside the Labour fold for two years.Foot's opposition to defence spending led to the whip being withdrawn from him in 1961 and he was outside the Labour fold for two years.
His passing is a loss to the political culture of Wales Leader of Plaid Cymru, Ieuan Wyn Jones AMHis passing is a loss to the political culture of Wales Leader of Plaid Cymru, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM
Although the whip was restored, he refused to serve in Harold Wilson's first two administrations, as he opposed Labour's policies on Vietnam, pay restraint and the Common Market.Although the whip was restored, he refused to serve in Harold Wilson's first two administrations, as he opposed Labour's policies on Vietnam, pay restraint and the Common Market.
After Labour's general election defeat of 1970, Foot agreed to become a frontbencher.After Labour's general election defeat of 1970, Foot agreed to become a frontbencher.
He became Harold Wilson's Secretary of State for Employment in 1974, in which role he famously faced down anger in Ebbw Vale over steel job losses.He became Harold Wilson's Secretary of State for Employment in 1974, in which role he famously faced down anger in Ebbw Vale over steel job losses.
He first stood for the leadership when Wilson resigned in 1976, losing to James Callaghan.He first stood for the leadership when Wilson resigned in 1976, losing to James Callaghan.
As deputy leader of Callaghan's government Foot was in charge of the first devolution proposals for Wales.As deputy leader of Callaghan's government Foot was in charge of the first devolution proposals for Wales.
The young Michael FootThe young Michael Foot
He spoke late in life of his sadness when the Welsh public gave his government what he called a "bloody nose" by voting down those proposals on 1 March 1979.He spoke late in life of his sadness when the Welsh public gave his government what he called a "bloody nose" by voting down those proposals on 1 March 1979.
But he said: "It never changed my views of devolution in that Welsh people, and those in other parts of the UK, should be able to determine locally with their votes on how they are governed on many issues."But he said: "It never changed my views of devolution in that Welsh people, and those in other parts of the UK, should be able to determine locally with their votes on how they are governed on many issues."
Following the announcement of his death, tributes were paid to Michael Foot.Following the announcement of his death, tributes were paid to Michael Foot.
Welsh Labour leader and First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: "It's very sad news obviously and marks the passing of someone who was a real giant both within the Labour party and in Britain as a whole.Welsh Labour leader and First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: "It's very sad news obviously and marks the passing of someone who was a real giant both within the Labour party and in Britain as a whole.
"Michael Foot held many of the major offices in cabinet and, of course, he was a Welsh MP representing Ebbw Vale from the by-election that was held after Aneurin Bevan died in 1960 and, of course, Blaenau Gwent until he retired - so his loss will be very much felt.""Michael Foot held many of the major offices in cabinet and, of course, he was a Welsh MP representing Ebbw Vale from the by-election that was held after Aneurin Bevan died in 1960 and, of course, Blaenau Gwent until he retired - so his loss will be very much felt."
TributesTributes
Plaid Cymru's leader Ieuan Wyn Jones AM said: "Michael Foot was a man of principle and a great Parliamentarian who commanded respect across the political divide.Plaid Cymru's leader Ieuan Wyn Jones AM said: "Michael Foot was a man of principle and a great Parliamentarian who commanded respect across the political divide.
"It was my privilege and pleasure to have known him and to have served in Westminster at the same time as him where I learnt much from his wealth of knowledge and commitment to social justice."It was my privilege and pleasure to have known him and to have served in Westminster at the same time as him where I learnt much from his wealth of knowledge and commitment to social justice.
Michael Foot with Neil Kinnock and late Lord Callaghan at the Labour conference in 2000Michael Foot with Neil Kinnock and late Lord Callaghan at the Labour conference in 2000
"Michael Foot was also a great devolutionist and I know that he was delighted when the people of Wales said 'yes' to the creation of a National Assembly in 1997 despite wanting a more powerful parliament for Wales."Michael Foot was also a great devolutionist and I know that he was delighted when the people of Wales said 'yes' to the creation of a National Assembly in 1997 despite wanting a more powerful parliament for Wales.
"His passing is a loss to the political culture of Wales.""His passing is a loss to the political culture of Wales."
Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain said: "Michael was perhaps Wales' most brilliant adopted son.Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain said: "Michael was perhaps Wales' most brilliant adopted son.
"A good friend, he gave me much personal support over 40 years, from the anti-apartheid movement to our work together on the Tribune newspaper."A good friend, he gave me much personal support over 40 years, from the anti-apartheid movement to our work together on the Tribune newspaper.
"He will be sorely missed. Never again will we see such soaring oratory, socialist passion and wit. Wales and Welsh Labour are in mourning.""He will be sorely missed. Never again will we see such soaring oratory, socialist passion and wit. Wales and Welsh Labour are in mourning."
'Leadership''Leadership'
Torfaen MP Paul Murphy, a former Welsh and Northern Ireland Secretary, said Michael Foot was one of the greatest socialists of all time.Torfaen MP Paul Murphy, a former Welsh and Northern Ireland Secretary, said Michael Foot was one of the greatest socialists of all time.
"He had a real understanding of the people of the Welsh valleys and was proud to be an adopted Welshman," he said."He had a real understanding of the people of the Welsh valleys and was proud to be an adopted Welshman," he said.
"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 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.""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."
Former First Minister Rhodri Morgan said Mr Foot was a "unique character of the British parliament and political system" who was a "stunningly good parliamentary performer".Former First Minister Rhodri Morgan said Mr Foot was a "unique character of the British parliament and political system" who was a "stunningly good parliamentary performer".
'Towering intellectual''Towering intellectual'
He said: "He was hugely loved in Wales and hugely loved throughout Britain and even loved by his opponents as well."He said: "He was hugely loved in Wales and hugely loved throughout Britain and even loved by his opponents as well."
Wayne David, MP for Caerphilly and Wales Office Minister, said: "Michael Foot was one of the most significant politicians of our time. He was a great orator, a towering intellectual, a wonderful writer and a man of principle and integrity.Wayne David, MP for Caerphilly and Wales Office Minister, said: "Michael Foot was one of the most significant politicians of our time. He was a great orator, a towering intellectual, a wonderful writer and a man of principle and integrity.
"As a young man I well remember the encouragement I received from him and the inspiration I gained from reading his two volume biography of Aneurin Bevan. The Labour movement has today lost one of its great figures.""As a young man I well remember the encouragement I received from him and the inspiration I gained from reading his two volume biography of Aneurin Bevan. The Labour movement has today lost one of its great figures."
Welsh Conservatives leader Nick Bourne said: "Michael Foot was a parliamentarian of great skill. He was a distinguished man of letters and made a significant contribution to British public life.Welsh Conservatives leader Nick Bourne said: "Michael Foot was a parliamentarian of great skill. He was a distinguished man of letters and made a significant contribution to British public life.
"Even in the latter part of his life, he was still the old warhorse and actively campaigned in the Blaenau Gwent by-election."Even in the latter part of his life, he was still the old warhorse and actively campaigned in the Blaenau Gwent by-election.
"His death breaks a link with the political past but his contribution to national life will not be forgotten.""His death breaks a link with the political past but his contribution to national life will not be forgotten."
Tell us your memories and tributes of Michael Foot?Tell us your memories and tributes of Michael Foot?
Send us your comments. In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.Send us your comments. In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
A truly brilliant man, a fantastic orator and an inspiration to all of us who are politically 'independent' in politics. I am proud to say that many of his aspirations for Wales and in particular his constituents of Ebbw Vale - are still being pursued today.Kevin Brown, Brynmawr
I'll always remember him striding across Hampstead Heath with stick in hand and his dog Dizzy - he always gave us a smile and when we had the cheek to ask him to sign our programme at one of the Kenwood Open Air Concerts where he was in the audience with his wife Jill, he was of course incredibly gracious and did so. There will never be another like him.Gill French, Dorking, SurreyI'll always remember him striding across Hampstead Heath with stick in hand and his dog Dizzy - he always gave us a smile and when we had the cheek to ask him to sign our programme at one of the Kenwood Open Air Concerts where he was in the audience with his wife Jill, he was of course incredibly gracious and did so. There will never be another like him.Gill French, Dorking, Surrey
I met Michael Foot when he visited the secondary school I attended in Manchester. He was genuinely interested in our achievements & had many a kind word of inspiration to spur us on. A memory that has and will remain with me. Neil Roberts, Gloucestershire, UKI met Michael Foot when he visited the secondary school I attended in Manchester. He was genuinely interested in our achievements & had many a kind word of inspiration to spur us on. A memory that has and will remain with me. Neil Roberts, Gloucestershire, UK
Michael Foot was an inspiration to many of us as younger members. When I first joined the Young Socialist in 1967, Michael was one of the few Labour MPs that encouraged us to become involved in the broader Labour movement. And this was despite the "Militant" nature of some of us at that time.Michael Foot was an inspiration to many of us as younger members. When I first joined the Young Socialist in 1967, Michael was one of the few Labour MPs that encouraged us to become involved in the broader Labour movement. And this was despite the "Militant" nature of some of us at that time.
As party Leader he suffered ridicule from the media but came through it with dignity and principled integrity. Jeff Cuthbert AM, Caerphilly, WalesAs party Leader he suffered ridicule from the media but came through it with dignity and principled integrity. Jeff Cuthbert AM, Caerphilly, Wales
I have very fond memories of Michael Foot, especially his ability to "connect" with people of all ages I was at a Labour organised pop concert in Cardiff Student's Union some years ago when Michael addressed a generally young audience. He captivated them and received a standing ovation.I have very fond memories of Michael Foot, especially his ability to "connect" with people of all ages I was at a Labour organised pop concert in Cardiff Student's Union some years ago when Michael addressed a generally young audience. He captivated them and received a standing ovation.
He was a great socialist.John Lewis, Kidwelly, WalesHe was a great socialist.John Lewis, Kidwelly, Wales
A brilliant orator and a skilled politician who managed to prevent a catastrophic lurch into far left politics which would have left Labour unelectable, left a legacy of commitment to peace and social justice which will endure.gareth davies, Blaenavon, WalesA brilliant orator and a skilled politician who managed to prevent a catastrophic lurch into far left politics which would have left Labour unelectable, left a legacy of commitment to peace and social justice which will endure.gareth davies, Blaenavon, Wales
Michael was one of the true liberals of our age who, like his father, traced his creed back to the great popular movements and figures of British history, from Cromwell to Bevan and even recognised the efforts towards social justice made by more unlikely, Tory mavericks such as Disraeli. We have lost someone who kept alight the torch of Democratic Socialism during its darkest days of Thatcherism. That he did so with dignity and intellectualism that may have been lost on many was not his fault. Indeed, we have yet to grow to a time when his principles may be embraced. I will return to my Hazlitt to remember him. David Edwards, Maidenhead, EnglandMichael was one of the true liberals of our age who, like his father, traced his creed back to the great popular movements and figures of British history, from Cromwell to Bevan and even recognised the efforts towards social justice made by more unlikely, Tory mavericks such as Disraeli. We have lost someone who kept alight the torch of Democratic Socialism during its darkest days of Thatcherism. That he did so with dignity and intellectualism that may have been lost on many was not his fault. Indeed, we have yet to grow to a time when his principles may be embraced. I will return to my Hazlitt to remember him. David Edwards, Maidenhead, England
The back of Mr Foot's residential home was at the back of our home when I was an infant and junior. I remember that he was a very nice man and it's evident he worked very, very hard.The back of Mr Foot's residential home was at the back of our home when I was an infant and junior. I remember that he was a very nice man and it's evident he worked very, very hard.
R.I.PKevin Davidge, Tredegar, South Wales UKR.I.PKevin Davidge, Tredegar, South Wales UK
Another one of the few remaining last great socialists has gone.Another one of the few remaining last great socialists has gone.
A courageous and kindly gentleman. It was an honour and a pleasure to meet him on a number of occasions both here in his native Plymouth and in London also.A courageous and kindly gentleman. It was an honour and a pleasure to meet him on a number of occasions both here in his native Plymouth and in London also.
He will always be remembered with admiration, affection and gratitude.Bernard Brotherton., Plymouth, UK.He will always be remembered with admiration, affection and gratitude.Bernard Brotherton., Plymouth, UK.
I attended a "right to work" march through Liverpool in the late 70`s during the Thatcher regime, i will never forget talking to Michael Foot that day and being inspired by his words and his commitment to socialism, i marched head high that day, and every day since, thank you Michael R.I.P.Bill McCaffrey, Manchester, England I attended a "right to work" march through Liverpool in the late 70s during the Thatcher regime, i will never forget talking to Michael Foot that day and being inspired by his words and his commitment to socialism, i marched head high that day, and every day since, thank you Michael R.I.P.Bill McCaffrey, Manchester, England
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